New For 2014

These threads seem to be a hit. I'm a little late this year. I made the 2012 thread in February 2011. I made 2013 in March 2012. Here we are in April already, and I'm only getting to 2014 now. Did that all make sense?

Well, there are a number of rumblings about next year already, which I'll lay out in a response post. Some big names are in play too.

Shout-outs to Screamscape, the news feeds on Facebook, and those not-so-public sources that keep me in the loop.

Ready? As always, please let me and everyone know if I miss something, or when new news is released.

And, on a personal note, will an American park PLEASE build something like the Smiler at Alton Towers?!

Kentucky KingdomOPEN
The park will reopen in 2014, and it seems as if everything is on schedule, Thunder Run will come back to life, as well as a number of other rides. New water slides galore are on tap, as well as a new steel coaster.

Miracle Strip Pier ParkOPEN!
Same general area, but Miracle Strip finds a new home. Will open in 2014 with new rides, and some used ones.

Alabama Splash AdventureOPEN
Not really a new park, but with Koch family now in charge, it seems as if the amusement park side will be brought back to life.

Confirmed New Coasters For 2014

KnoebelsOPEN
--Flying Turns, I realize that this coaster opened at the tail end of 2013, but for the majority of people, it will be a new ride for 2014. The park also recently announced the addition of two refurbished kiddie rides.

Magic KingdomOPEN
-- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, a new family coaster at the ultimate family park.

Luna ParkOPEN
--Thunderbolt Reborn, an interesting new coaster design from Zamperla. The ride features a unique vertical lift, a 90 degree drop from 125 feet, and three inversions.

--The Bat, in a brilliant move, Flight Deck will receive a face lift, and reopen as The Bat in 2014. The park will add a Cirque show as well.

Dollywood - OPEN!
--FireChaser Express, a new 2,447 foot family launched coaster by Gerstlauer. Riders will be launched forward and backward on the ride. Top speed will be 35 mph, with a max height of 79 feet.

Six Flags Great America
--Goliath, a new 165 foot Rocky Mountain wooden coaster that will drop 180 feet, at 85 degrees, reaching speeds of 72 mph and flip through two inversions. The coaster seems to be of the Outlaw Run variety.

Six Flags America
--Ragin' Cajun, relocated from Six Flags Great America, the spinning mouse coaster will anchor a new Mardi Gras area, along with a new Larson Flying Scooters ride, the French Quarter Flyers.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
--Speedy Gonzales Hot Rod Racers, the park announced a 4th kiddie coaster - 19th overall - a small Zamperla model. The park will also be running Colossus and Batman backwards. Hurricane Harbor gets a new water slide as well.

Adventure Dome - OPEN
--El Loco, the park adds its second major coaster - a somewhat-custom S&S El Loco model.

Story LandOPEN
--Roar-O Saurus, a new wooden coaster from Gravity Group of the Wooden Warrior variety. 40 feet tall, 1242 feet long.

HersheyparkOPEN
--Cocoa Cruiser, a Zamperla kiddie steel coaster will be added, to the former Tiny Timbers log ride location. A kiddie "swing thing" ride and kiddie tea cups ride round out the three piece Zamperla package.

Indiana Beach
--Dragon Wagon, a Wisdom kiddie coaster, as well as a kiddie plane ride, a Rock N Tug, and a Wisdom Tornado ride, named Growler.

Keansburg Amusement Park
--Looping Roller Coaster, relocated from Beech Bend, this looping Pinfari Zyklon finds its third home this summer.

Miracle Strip Pier Park
--Riptide In a year that saw one SDC Galaxi coaster removed (Indiana Beach), Miracle Strip is re-building one - just not the same one.

Universal Studios Florida
--Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts, as part of their new Diagon Alley area, Universal will open a new, heavily themed, indoor steel coaster, complete with 3-D effects.

Silverwood
--Krazy Koaster, a family spinning coaster will be added for 2014 along with two new kiddie rides, all part of the expansion of the Garfield's Summer Camp area. The other rides look to be from Zamperla - a kite-flyer and a bouncing ride.

Alabama Splash AdventureWacky Worm, one of the park's new kiddie rides will be a kiddie coaster.

Thunder Road Family Fun ParkScreaming Dragon, a relocated Wisdom 'Orient Express' model finds a new home in South Dakota.

Six Flags Discovery KingdomOPEN
--Tsunami Soakers, a family splash battle attraction. The park will also now be open year round. The Cirque water show will return as well.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
--Bahama Blasters, a trap-door water slide tower will be added to the water park.

Great Escape
--Extreme Supernova, a new Frisbee ride

La Ronde
--Demon, a top-spin ride, possibly relocated.

Worlds of Fun
--SteelHawk, Knott's Windseeker has moved to Kansas City.

Holiday WorldOPEN
--Mayflower, a new swinging ship for the Thanksgiving area of the park, likely a Chance model. Other improvements, including a new covered bridge, extended water park hours, weekly fireworks, parking improvements, a new restaurant and shop, and new cabanas. All totaled, it's an $8 million investment.

AdventurelandOPEN
--Storm Chaser, what looks like a new Mondial WindSeeker ride. No word on the height of this one.

Calaway Park
--Unknown, the park will be replacing its log ride with a new version.

Carowinds
--Surfer's Swell and Dorsal Fin Drop, a new dual slide tower is added to Boomerang Bay. Still lots of room left in that $50 million budget for the following two seasons.

Kings DominionOPEN
-- The park will turn back the clock somewhat, re-opening some themed areas from King Dominion's history. They will also improve Anaconda and Volcano - new paint for the former, new queue for the latter.

ValleyfairOPEN
--Route 76, a new themed area near the front of the park. The section will feature a new Zamperla Mega Disk-O called Northern Lights, a scrambler, Tilt-a-Whirl, and the return of the park's car ride.

SeabreezeOPEN
-- Wave Swinger & Great Balloon Race, a replacement for their Chance YoYo, and a new children's ride.

Knott's Berry Farm
-- Camp Snoopy will get some love this year, as well as the classic Calico Mine Ride. If it ends up anything like Timber Mountain, it will be fantastic.

Dutch WonderlandOPEN
--Exploration Island, the old botanical gardens gets a re-do, with the addition of animatronic dinosaurs, a fossil dig activity area, and a relocated Turnpike ride.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
--Coastal Curl, Nothing major for the park, but Water Country USA will add the new water slide.

Morey's PiersOPEN
While we wait for their new coaster to start taking shape, the park replaced their old Zierer Wave Swinger with a newer version, complete with new paintings. It will sit on a 12 foot pedestal and feature a bright new LED package.

Lake Compounce
Believe it or not, Boulder Dash was the last new coaster built at this park, in 2000. No new rides for 2014, but the park added Bear Creek Campground.

Casino Pier
--Air Race, A new Zamperla Air Race will find a home on Casino Pier, as they continue to rebuild.

Cliff's Amusement ParkWind Rider, a new swing tower ride is being added for 2014. Looks to be of the Larson variety.

Bay BeachSea Dragon, a new swinging ship ride

Martin's Fantasy Islandunknown, a new Speed flat ride from KMG.

Elitch GardensOPENBrain Drain, what looks to be a Larson 'Ring of Fire' model.

DelGrosso'sMusic Express, not of the traditional variety, but a rotating flat ride nonetheless.

Not At Any Park, But Worthy of a Mention and Likely Opening in 2014

High Roller, Las VegasOPEN
-- Caesar's is building a 520 foot Ferris wheel at their new Linq property across the street. Wheel is completed and should open this year.

Maryland National HarborOPEN
--Capital Wheel, a 175 foot, brightly lit Ferris wheel will open on the water front. In the flat D.C. area, the views should be pretty nice.

Stalled Projects

Cliff's Amusement Park
--Unknown, Cliff's should have Astroworld's Greezed Lightning (Schwarzkopf shuttle) open at some point in 2014. But there were also rumors now that this ride could end up back in Texas in 2016 or later.

Akita Retail and Events Center
-- A new Las Vegas Strip shopping center looks to be the new home of a re-worked Speed: The Ride. This could be for 2014, but the project seems to be stalled at this point. Track and supports are on site.

Skyvue, Las Vegas
--The long-rumored 500 foot ferris wheel was finally under construction in Las Vegas, but now it's stalled. High Roller will open first.

Morey's Piers
Man, that GCI design looks amazing. I sure wish it would get built. I don't know what else to call it, other than "stalled" at this point.

Darien Lake
--Lake Monster - A 3400 foot wooden coaster with at least one inversion, including a dive off the lift. Manufacturer has yet to be named, but it seems as if this new ride would be a modified Predator.

There's been zero movement in recent months. This project could be further down the road.

Kennywood
The park has been rumored for a new coaster for a few years, and things had seemed to be heating up along those lines. Cooled off now.

Lagoon
This park is adding a pretty significant roller coaster for 2015 - already under construction. Nothing major appears to be on the way for 2014.

Funtown Pier
No word yet on any re-build at this point. Plans may be pushed back a bit.

Michigan's Adventure - Remember when they were rumored to get a 200 foot coaster? That was a long time ago now. Their last new one was the Wild Mouse in 1999 (if you don't count the relocated SLC in 2008).

Bgw, i'm just hoping it's a winged coaster and that it would make use of the river. Not a slam on VB, but i still think they dropped the ball by going with a family friendly route and not going all out to top BBW.

Dollywood just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Last i was there in 2006, the main big coasters were tennessee tornado and thunderhead. I wont even remember the place if they keep building rides there, lol. I wonder if the admission has more than doubled since 2006 to pay for those new rides?

Rebuilding thunderbolt would be crazy, i have no idea what it was, but i just hope they use modified trains like mf or even ptc trains that have no more than 2 rows per car. I know purists wouldve raised hell if the cyclone ever changed its trains, but it really does need shorter cars, even an out and back coaster like rebel yell has only 3 rows per car.

Awesome work Drachen! There's a lot to go over. Drach, I get what you were saying concerning the new Six Flags coasters, but you know how the industry is, as relocated coasters like SFGradv's Green Lantern are truly counted as 'new' coasters. So I wouldn't expect any coasters no time soon with these parks that just received relocated coasters.

I'm not too wild about Steeplechase making a Thunderbolt copy. By chance has anyone ever ridden old Coney's T-bolt before? Just looking at the layout, it looked liked a near facsimile to Cyclone, only with a less steep drop. I get that they aren't technically 'in the same park' but that's not exactly adding uniqueness to the complex. Wouldn't mind seeing a new woodie there at Steeplechase, but just with a differing layout than T-bolt.

Concerning KI, these days it seems like Rocky Mtn has that golden touch. I can't imagine anyone opposing a kickass Rocky Mtn wooden coaster creation. Another option I wouldn't mind coming to life is a dive machine. Hopefully there's an US park out there that will build a dive coaster within this decade LOL.

With all of that HW drama, I'll be shocked if any attractions are built anytime soon, or atleast until this bitter family feud is over.

I'm still trying to figure out where is this additional acreage coming from with KBF's rumored 300ft coaster, because I don't see it; Barring a RCT3-like expansion into the surrounding urban areas over the streets, or totally cramming a large scale coaster into the park ruining the aesthetics all around. That's all that I have for now.

Awesome work Drachen! There's a lot to go over. Drach, I get what you were saying concerning the new Six Flags coasters, but you know how the industry is, as relocated coasters like SFGradv's Green Lantern are truly counted as 'new' coasters.

I hear ya'. For the record, I don't think Great Adventure is getting a new roller coaster in 2014. I think they'll go the route of the ultra-low capacity free-fall off the back of Kingda Ka.

I started a thread a few months back about how I wondered if X-Flight will be the new Batman: The Ride - being a "staple" coaster at all major Six Flags parks. Perhaps in 2014 we see if that will be the case.

As a local to Six Flags America, Kings Dominion, and Hershey Park, and to some extent, Dorney Park, Six Flags Great Adventure and Busch Gardens, as well as smaller parks like Knoebels and Kennywood, I feel like Six Flags America is the most overdue.

Sure, Apocalypse was a welcome addition, but that park has long been overdue for something big. Case in point, I had not attended Six Flags America since 2003 when I decided to reintroduce myself to it for the 2011 season. And while it's a hair better than it was during the early 2000's, they are in desperate need of a new coaster of some sort (as well as some other structural changes to the park layout). Mind Eraser is poorly maintained as an early Vekoma SLC, Roar East doesn't even use the correct Millennium Flyer trains for it, Batwing breaks down constantly (twice while I was on), Joker's Jinx is showing its age, and Apocalypse, in my opinion, still hurts as much as it did when it was Iron Wolf. The only saving grace is Superman: Ride of Steel and Wild One, both of which, while nice, aren't much of anything. A new coaster like a B&M Wing, or even something along the lines of a Rocky Mountain creation would give SFA a breath of fresh air.

I'd love to see Kings Dominion get a new coaster. I don't see Shockwave, despite it's poor reputation, going anywhere until its spare parts run out. Hurler and Anaconda are always being rumored to be removed and the lake and wooded area next to both are prime spots for something new and exciting. Not to mention, XLC's station is still intact and just collecting dust during the summer months. I say remove Windseeker, since it's an eyesore and taking up valuable space (I don't even know if they fixed the issues with these things as I don't even remember if it was running when I went opening day this year -- I swear Cedar Fair has to be regretting the decision to purchase these things).

Something over the river would be nice for BGW. I always thought that it was underutilized. Verbolten is okay, but I miss Big Bad Wolf. Someone needs to resurrect these Arrow creations for the new era, with a twist. I feel like park execs don't realize how well they would do. People I talk to still comment how much Big Bad Wolf is their favorite coaster at BGW and when I tell them it's no longer there, they immediately get sad and upset, and start to recall fond memories of the ride.

Hershey isn't on that list and I know they just put in Skyrush, but it'd be nice to see something come out in 2014, if not a revamped Boardwalk area. I have faith that this will happen though as they cleared quite a bit of ground area with the removal of Roller Soaker and they are already adding new water playthings to the area.

Dorney Park could benefit from another coaster of some sort in 2014. I love that park, but I don't get my fill when I go. The view you see when you look down into the valley is one of my favorite and it'd be great to see something utilizing it even more.

Well, Shockwave isn't my fav, but for its footprint, it works in that area. Anaconda and Hurler both sit on some pretty big plots of land and could both go. I still think they should take down both Grizzly and Hurler and build a big wood coaster there like Beast (east) and then maybe the new entrance could be placed in the middle. Though I don't see anything that can use the hypersonic station and that should be knocked down.
Windseeker seems to be problematic in Knotts Berry, the times I rode it at KD, there was no problems.

Does anyone know if Six Flags America has a height restriction, being so close to Andrews Air Force Base? According to Wikipedia, they have 523 acres available but only use 131 acres for park operations.

Despite the obvious money woes Six Flags (America in particular) has faced over the years, I wonder if they haven't utilized the rest of the land for something bigger than Superman because of restrictions set forth for the area.

Also, I think if Grizzly was torn down, KD might get some backlash for it as it still seems to be a fan favorite, although, in my opinion, it is a former shadow of what it was. After they tore down parts of the wooded area for different projects over the years, it's lost that charm. Riding that thing at night through the woods was an experience within itself.

antikythera said: Roar East doesn't even use the correct Millennium Flyer trains for it.

Roar East was GCII's second coaster and was designed for use with PTC's. Stating that Millennium Flyer trains should be used for it is in itself factually incorrect. Lightning Racer, I believe, was the first GCII to bring back those trains.

antikythera said: Batwing breaks down constantly (twice while I was on)[\quote]

They (both the park and more so Vekoma) never did get that working as intended.

antikythera said:Joker's Jinx is showing its age[\quote]
Was just repainted two seasons ago.

antikythera said:A new coaster like a B&M Wing, or even something along the lines of a Rocky Mountain creation would give SFA a breath of fresh air.[\quote]

A custom or even newly cloned B&M isn't in SFA's future. They simply cost too much money and SFA doesn't pull in the attendance that Great Adventure, Great America, and Magic Mountain do. That's the bottom line.

Some would argue that SFA has enough wood for the 131 acres the park sits on.

I think SFA needs a tween coaster... a wild mouse, a spinning mouse, something along those lines. SFA has enough coasters that toss you upside down in various positions. If we're going thrill coaster, SFA is lacking a traditional sit down looper.

antikythera said:I'd love to see Kings Dominion get a new coaster. I don't see Shockwave, despite it's poor reputation, going anywhere until its spare parts run out. Hurler and Anaconda are always being rumored to be removed and the lake and wooded area next to both are prime spots for something new and exciting. [\quote]

Rumors about Hurler and Anaconda's removal? News to me.

antikythera said:Something over the river would be nice for BGW. I always thought that it was underutilized. Verbolten is okay, but I miss Big Bad Wolf. Someone needs to resurrect these Arrow creations for the new era, with a twist. I feel like park execs don't realize how well they would do. People I talk to still comment how much Big Bad Wolf is their favorite coaster at BGW and when I tell them it's no longer there, they immediately get sad and upset, and start to recall fond memories of the ride.

Hershey isn't on that list and I know they just put in Skyrush, but it'd be nice to see something come out in 2014, if not a revamped Boardwalk area. I have faith that this will happen though as they cleared quite a bit of ground area with the removal of Roller Soaker and they are already adding new water playthings to the area.[\quote]

I doubt very seriously that BGW is getting a new coaster after just receiving Verbolten last year. New coaster installations at the Busch parks are much more spaced out unlike some of the Cedar Fairs and Six Flags of the world.

My bets are that Hershey continues to ride the wave of family additions (see what I did there?)If anything Hershey really needs to purchase that parcel of land that's for sale, some 35 acres, and re-route the vehicular road that runs through the middle of it.

antikythera said:Dorney Park could benefit from another coaster of some sort in 2014. I love that park, but I don't get my fill when I go. The view you see when you look down into the valley is one of my favorite and it'd be great to see something utilizing it even more.

Dorney's gotten a few hand me downs but what they've received have been decent additions. Most people don't realize that Dorney has three inverted coasters. I think Dorney and SFA are similar in that they are corporately run parks but don't draw the crowds like their larger sister parks.

antikythera said: Roar East doesn't even use the correct Millennium Flyer trains for it.

Roar East was GCII's second coaster and was designed for use with PTC's. Stating that Millennium Flyer trains should be used for it is in itself factually. Lightning Racer, I believe, was the first GCII to bring back those trains.

ROAR! West was the first GCII coaster to open with Millennium Flyer trains. Wildcat at Hersheypark was the first GCII coaster to have their PTC's replaced with Millennium Flyer trains. Lightning Racer opened with them.

Having said that, I don't know how much it helped, really. Wildcat is a ride that I absolutely love. I ride it a few times every year. But it wasn't running very well in 2012. So, I don't know if it's a train issue or a track issue.

Even Lightning Racer, normally glass smooth, felt a little bumpy last season, so maybe it is a maintenance thing...

I wonder if there's a correlation b/w GCI coasters with PTC trains and the roughness on the tracks. I mean sure Gwazi is bad, but the first year with the MF trains, the ride felt much better than the terrible ptc trains. Maybe the damage is done due to those ptc trains?

antikythera said:

Also, I think if Grizzly was torn down, KD might get some backlash for it as it still seems to be a fan favorite, although, in my opinion, it is a former shadow of what it was. After they tore down parts of the wooded area for different projects over the years, it's lost that charm. Riding that thing at night through the woods was an experience within itself.

Well of course, there will be those outraged if their favorite coasters were removed, but I think it'd be worth it for a major wood coaster. I'd rather have 1 really good coaster even if it meant losing 1 terrible coaster and one fairly good one. I'm probably in the minority in not really liking Grizzly and of course not a fan of how obscure the entrance to that ride is.

^^^Like you, I'm not a fan of Grizzly myself. Although like Antikythera said, any talk of removing it will definitely bring KD backlash from it's fandom. Hell, there are quite a few Grizzly fans on URC. I don't see it going anywhere. I myself don't necessarily think that Grizzly should bit the dust; Now Hurler, yes.

I miss Big Bad Wolf. Someone needs to resurrect these Arrow creations for the new era, with a twist.

I too miss BBW. I'm so glad that I got a chance to ride it before they tore it down. I have yet to ride Verbolten.

Vekoma introduced these family coasters called 'Swinging Turns' with the first one opening in 88'. They look very comparable to the Arrow Swinging Suspendeds. There was only three of them built, with none in the US. For whatever reason, that type wasn't much of a success.

Yeah, i guess grizzly isn't going anywhere. I just dunno if the park can expand further past Hurler's footprint into the wooded area and i dont think they can build something like a thunderhead in hurler's footprint, that's why if grizzly went, there'd be no issues of trying to cram a bigger coaster into a smaller space.

Same on BBW, i was fortunate to ride it in 2009 and not knowing that it was going to be its final year. I remember it like 1996 or a little later (well whenever before AC was built) seeing that and thinking about getting on it because it was enclosed. But my fear of coasters made me think otherwise and it took ten yrs till my next visit. I will miss it and still loved that drop to the river (despite the drop being trimmed). That part to the river made it worth while.

Does anyone know if Six Flags America has a height restriction, being so close to Andrews Air Force Base? According to Wikipedia, they have 523 acres available but only use 131 acres for park operations.

SFA does have a height limit, 200 ft, (Superman: ROS is actually only 195 feet above grade in order to remain within compliance.) The park does have more land available, however, the imediate has been very vocal about keeping the park within its current borders. It is unlikely they will ever receive approval to expand beyond that.

antikythera said:

Despite the obvious money woes Six Flags (America in particular) has faced over the years, I wonder if they haven't utilized the rest of the land for something bigger than Superman because of restrictions set forth for the area.

BINGO!! And it is a very sticky subject anytime the park requests adding new attractions.

antikythera said:

Also, I think if Grizzly was torn down, KD might get some backlash for it as it still seems to be a fan favorite, although, in my opinion, it is a former shadow of what it was. After they tore down parts of the wooded area for different projects over the years, it's lost that charm. Riding that thing at night through the woods was an experience within itself.

Absolutely agreed about Grizzly being a shell of its former glory, when the only thing you could see from the ground was the turn out of the station, the lift, and the leaning fan turn over the station. Nonetheless, I think you will see those stupid Dinosaurs, that took the last bit of natural coverage, go before Grizzly does. Outside of the big 3, it is one of more popular rides and regarded as one of the best woodies in the Mid-Atlantic.

I was thinking more along the lines of excitement level. But that's more of an opinion so I rescind my original complaint.

A custom or even newly cloned B&M isn't in SFA's future. They simply cost too much money and SFA doesn't pull in the attendance that Great Adventure, Great America, and Magic Mountain do. That's the bottom line.

Some would argue that SFA has enough wood for the 131 acres the park sits on.

I think SFA needs a tween coaster... a wild mouse, a spinning mouse, something along those lines. SFA has enough coasters that toss you upside down in various positions. If we're going thrill coaster, SFA is lacking a traditional sit down looper.

You make valid points, although I've always believed that Maryland is lacking a decent amusement park. Being so close to DC, you'd think Six Flags, if they had the money, would have had invested more into the park to make it profitable. Maybe it's the area it's located in, or the change in hands over the years, but it's always been something I've never fully understood and would love to see SFA grow. Some days, driving to PA or VA just seems too far. Only if Glen Echo was still around... XD

Rumors about Hurler and Anaconda's removal? News to me.

Only from what I read browsing different internet forums and Facebook posts. Maybe more speculation, than rumors. Again, I'm no insider and I don't claim to be, just a hobbyist so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Dorney's gotten a few hand me downs but what they've received have been decent additions. Most people don't realize that Dorney has three inverted coasters. I think Dorney and SFA are similar in that they are corporately run parks but don't draw the crowds like their larger sister parks.

^^^Like you, I'm not a fan of Grizzly myself. Although like Antikythera said, any talk of removing it will definitely bring KD backlash from it's fandom. Hell, there are quite a few Grizzly fans on URC. I don't see it going anywhere. I myself don't necessarily think that Grizzly should bit the dust; Now Hurler, yes.

I don't think that this park should get rid of its best wooden, Grizzly. I have heard that they took out many of the trees that made it a more interesting ride. They should put every one of those back for sure. This park has none of the looks of a place of its quality. The area around Intimidator 305 and Rebel Yell's turnaround looks terrible !

Kings Island
--Unknown - Land is cleared. Footers are rumored. Teaser signs are up. Whatever it is, it's going to be big news. 99% sure it's a roller coaster. What type? It could be anything from an invert to a Rocky Mountain Iron Horse creation.

The name "Banshee" has been trademarked by Cedar Fair so this could be the possible name for KI's new coaster. I don't see a Rocky Mountain coaster going in here but since KI followed Behemoth with Diamondback it will be interesting if it happens again with a B&M giga here.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg
There are one or two rumors out there that another new coaster may be on the way for 2014. It sounds borderline crazy by today's standards, but it wasn't too long ago that parks built big coasters every other year...

It doesn't seem to be Busch's style to add a coaster so quickly after just adding one at the same park but anything is possible.

Six Flags Parks - Just Sayin'

Six Flags now does a yearly company wide announcement where every new park gets a new attraction. Let's see where some coasters could land...

Six Flags Over Texas - Texas Giant will be three years old.

I can see the flagship being one of the next to get an X Flight clone. I don't think Texas Skyscreamer took up all the space vacated by Flashback and the Texas Chute Out but if they were to remove the vacant shopping center they own there's space for one.

Six Flags St. Louis - Last new coaster was American Thunder in 2008.

I'm thinking Boomerang is just a filler and the next attraction will be the big signature steel coaster they've needed. Quite a few posts I've read on other forums seem to want Rocky Mountain to come in and do their magic to The Boss, which I'm against since The Boss is quite a good ride as it is.

Six Flags New England - Last new coaster was Pandemonium in 2005.

I think it's New England's turn for a Skyscreamer in 2014 along with Great America.

Six Flags America - Last new coaster was Batwing in 2001.

Considering Apocolypse was the most recent "new" coaster and also considering how long it was added after Batwing that is not going to happen. I would say a Skyscreamer here as well but with Kings Dominion having the taller Windseeker just down the road I'm not sure if that's a logical move for them.

Cedar Fair Parks - Just Sayin'

Valleyfair! - Last new coaster was Renegade in 2007.

Being the only original Cedar Fair park without some sort of full circuit invert shouldn't it be about time they got one? Heck, Michigan's Adventure one ups them since they have a used Vekoma SLC.

Kings Dominion - Intimidator 305 will be four years old in 2014.

As for the Cedar Fair parks I see Kings Dominion to be the next to get a wing coaster but not until 2015. Also I don't see Grizzly going anywhere though I wish they would make it easier to get to the ride (not through a gift shop either). Hurler needs to burn in hell.

Carowinds - Intimidator will also be four years old in 2014.

The only ride that could make Carowinds' collection complete is some sort of launched coaster. Would Cedar Fair be willing to go with Intamin again?

Other Parks, Not Rumored But Haven't Built New In a While

Darien Lake
Last new one was Motocoaster in 2008. Could they finally put the old Batman stand-up together?

Not going to happen. If you were to look at the park's 2013 map Herschend has actually given the park different themed areas and I expect them to continue to improve the park for awhile. I don't see a new coaster coming for quite a few more years.

Considering Apocolypse was the most recent "new" coaster and also considering how long it was added after Batwing that is not going to happen. I would say a Skyscreamer here as well but with Kings Dominion having the taller Windseeker just down the road I'm not sure if that's a logical move for them.

Kings Dominion - Intimidator 305 will be four years old in 2014.

As for the Cedar Fair parks I see Kings Dominion to be the next to get a wing coaster but not until 2015. Also I don't see Grizzly going anywhere though I wish they would make it easier to get to the ride (not through a gift shop either). Hurler needs to burn in hell.

I disagree. Kings Dominion is a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and draws a different crowd. From my experience, most people at Six Flags America tend to be far from the enthusiasts you see at other parks and go to Six Flags because it's cost effective.

If Six Flags America is indeed one of the least profitable parks in the chain as many are noting, I go against my original wishes and foresee them implementing that SkyScreamer or some other small flat ride in 2014, as it would be enough exposure to generate interest from the local crowds that attend, but not bankrupt the park. Apocalypse did just that and most people will never know it's a 20+ year old coaster.

How high and where to put the SkyScreamer and/or other flat ride is the question, since it seems they are under height restrictions.

I took a trip there the Saturday before last and started looking around at possibilities. If the drop tower by the Wild One wasn't already there, a SkyScreamer would be a perfect fit where the old Two Face station is -- the many times I take a ride on the drop tower facing the rest of the park, the view has been phenomenal for such a small park.

Not sure where else they could put something really, considering the land over by Superman and Batwing has primarily been used for storage and/or as a graveyard for many parts and decaying coasters coming through (I still want my TOGO pipeline coaster that was delivered in 2006, dang it -- RIP Ultra Twister).

As for KD, a wing coaster flying in and out of the wooded area by Hurler (after it burns to the ground, of course) would be awesome, if impracticable. One can wish though. :)

Good to see you around G-Dog. I like the discussion this is generating. I agree a lot with what you guys are saying. From a practicality standpoint:

Don't forget that Busch Gardens Williamsburg did add Alpengeist in 1997 and then Apollo in 1999. Like I said, adding two coasters two years apart seems crazy now, but it wasn't so crazy in the late 90's. Everyone was doing it.

I will say, regarding Kings Dominion, before Hurler burns, I think we'll see Shockwave and Anaconda retired.

While I'm an Anaconda fan, I think a wing-rider over the water makes the most sense for a steel coaster addition to this park. If I had my choice, I'd rather see none of them go. But those two steel coasters are of two dying breeds.

Carowinds does lack a launched coaster, but if they went that direction, I would be shocked if Intamin was involved. With Premier back in the game, along with Gerstlauer (who will soon offer full length trains on their loopers), Mack (Liseberg's new Helix), and others, Cedar Fair has other options.

I agree that both Six Flags New England and Great America will see Sky Screamers in 2014. Six Flags America could as well.

I fully expect one or two Six Flags parks to get a wing rider next year, with Texas being one of them. If SFoT gets one, perhaps the other Wynne Six Flags will get one as well (SFoG).

There are several Cedar Fair parks that are "due" to get a new roller coaster, as I mentioned originally. Unfortunately that means that not all of them can actually get one. I see Kings Island, and perhaps the other two former Paramount U.S. parks getting something. The small guys, Valleyfair!, Dorney, and Michigan's Adventure get left out again...

I agree G-Dog that SFStL should not touch the Boss. I like that ride just fine the way it is. New trains? Please do. But don't mess with the layout.

Antikythera, I'm so with you on that pipeline coaster. I've always wanted to try one, and I got real excited that I would be able to do so at SFA. I was pretty upset when I found out that they scrapped it.

KI followed Behemoth with Diamondback it will be interesting if it happens again with a B&M giga here.

God I hope that they don't do that. Anything but that. Maybe it's just me, but I don't get the "Leviathan after Behemoth" totally upstaging your existing coaster move. Same company, same model, only one being taller; Similar to a kiddie coaster that's patterned after a big adult coaster. With all of these unique coasters out there to chose from, I wouldn't like that move at all.

I think that SFOT's new ride will be the Skyscreamer. I would not suspect anything else for now. (Down in San Antonio is where the big money is being spent in Texas for SF this year.)

I agree, the Boss is quite a good ride as it is. We don't need to turn it into a Rocky Mountain steel coaster. I would like to see SFSTL get a mega. I guess that would be a B&M since Intamin or Morgan don't seem to be doing them anymore.

New England and America will get basically ignored as usuall. This is naturally bad news but I do agree that their crowds are mostly locals.

While I would love to see both Hurlers be nothing left but a smoking hulk, I seem to remember some re-tracking not to long ago. Most of the CF parks seem to want to keep their old woodens alive. (Thunderhawk, Thunder Road, and Rebel Yell have all had work done.)

It would not surprise me to see KI get something really big. Both Leviathan and Behemoth had massive lines when I was there. I don't see this as upstaging at all. Both are well liked by the coaster fanatics for different reasons. Also, Cedar Point has had a 200ft, a 300ft, and a 400ft coaster in the same park for nine years now and no one is saying that none should be there.

Cedar Point has had a 200ft, a 300ft, and a 400ft coaster in the same park for nine years now and no one is saying that none should be there.

They all are totally different too; an Arrow hyper, an Intamin giga, and an Intamin launched rocket. I never said that the GP and enthusiasts alike wouldn't be excited about a 300ft Beemer at KI, I just would prefer something more unique to the park.

I agree, the Boss is quite a good ride as it is. We don't need to turn it into a Rocky Mountain steel coaster. I would like to see SFSTL get a mega. I guess that would be a B&M since Intamin or Morgan don't seem to be doing them anymore.

Ever since Rocky Mountain redid Texas Giant every fanboy's wish list for the company to do something similar with their home park's crappiest coaster literally exploded. IF that was the case then a good chunk of wood coasters out there would become steel. I don't disagree regarding the amazing job they did with the Texas Giant, and the Iron Rattler for that matter, but not every coaster needs to be altered.

I also don't agree with putting inversions on wooden coasters, despite some saying its a step forward for wooden coasters, but that's another topic altogether.

Intamin and Morgan still offer their mega/hyper coasters on their website so just because we haven't seen any new ones lately doesn't mean they have stopped producing them.

New England and America will get basically ignored as usuall. This is naturally bad news but I do agree that their crowds are mostly locals.

I wouldn't necessarily say that New England is ignored. They got Goliath (Deja Vu), a new slide for the water park, Gotham City Gauntlet just a couple of years ago. If anything New England gets a steady flow of new attractions.

It would not surprise me to see KI get something really big. Both Leviathan and Behemoth had massive lines when I was there. I don't see this as upstaging at all. Both are well liked by the coaster fanatics for different reasons. Also, Cedar Point has had a 200ft, a 300ft, and a 400ft coaster in the same park for nine years now and no one is saying that none should be there.

I don't see a problem with this at all either as, even though I haven't been to Wonderland yet to try both coasters, they seem to be two very different ride experiences. The issue I think most have is that the two biggest coasters are by the same manufacturer. As much as I would love to see B&M's second giga built I'd be more than thrilled to have something like I-305.Given the large swath of land once owned by SOB they could really put something special in that spot.

I did forget that Intamin just made a 200ft one - Skyrush. I don't see that described as a "maga" though.

Even if I have not ridden any of them, there is no doubt that Rocky Mountain has made three very good coasters. I just can't think of any other woodens that are soooo bad that the only hope is to totally redue them. The Hurlers and Mean Streak were pretty much crap on my last trips to those parks, but I don't know if that treatment is the only way to save them.

I also don't think that putting inversions on woodens is the way to go. Nothing at Mt. Olympus was great considering the long waits with single trains. Hades problem was it being so rough that I had to check my neck and back teeth to make sure that they were still with me.

Getting Déjà Vu from SFMM and Road Runner Express from SFKK is harding putting something "new" in SFNE. I'll grant you that they did get something so that is not quite being ignored.

I do like Millennium Force just a little bit more than Leviathan. Ask me next month how I compare
I-305 with it. A Giga at KI could be made by anybody and with any layout.

I also don't think that putting inversions on woodens is the way to go. Nothing at Mt. Olympus was great considering the long waits with single trains. Hades problem was it being so rough that I had to check my neck and back teeth to make sure that they were still with me.

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When did you ride Hades? I rode Hades in 2011 and was extremely smooth until you exited the tunnel on the return. After that it got a little jerky, but not rough by any means. The reason I'm asking is that I heard similar reviews. I'm not doubting you, I've heard this from several people. Maybe I just rode it on a good day. I do agree about the single train operation. I don't know if the brake run is long enough to run 2 trains. Nonetheless, I still rode it 10 times, even when the line grew to 30 minutes. I loved the coaster so much, I kept getting back in line and waiting for front seat. I can't wait to get back up there and ride it again.

I think Holiday World will get their act together enough to build a roller coaster. Its been since 2006 since any roller coaster was built (voyage). From what they've shown, they have a good plan. But with the way they've been going with Splashin' Safari, there's no telling. As they've added water rides every year. It would be nice to see a B&M Giga Coaster or even a B&M winged coaster. Also, I'm not sure what other people think, but I'd like to see Rocky Mountain on Legend or even Raven.

I also don't think that putting inversions on woodens is the way to go. Nothing at Mt. Olympus was great considering the long waits with single trains. Hades problem was it being so rough that I had to check my neck and back teeth to make sure that they were still with me.

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When did you ride Hades? I rode Hades in 2011 and was extremely smooth until you exited the tunnel on the return. After that it got a little jerky, but not rough by any means. The reason I'm asking is that I heard similar reviews. I'm not doubting you, I've heard this from several people. Maybe I just rode it on a good day. I do agree about the single train operation. I don't know if the brake run is long enough to run 2 trains. Nonetheless, I still rode it 10 times, even when the line grew to 30 minutes. I loved the coaster so much, I kept getting back in line and waiting for front seat. I can't wait to get back up there and ride it again.

I was there in early August of the same year (2011)?. Now I had gone to Timber Falls first (also in Wisconsin Dells). I did not get into Mt. Olympus until about 1:00. Lines for all the coasters were out into the streets (40 - 70 minutes for each). I only rode them once. This sign was there for Hades and it fits for what my experience seemed like.http://rcdb.com/2667.htm?p=31288

Took a trip to Kings Dominion on Friday to supplement my trips to Cedar Point and Great America the previous week.

A few observations:

I firmly believe that Anaconda is the next to get the chopping block. Anaconda is just not getting the attendance it once did. It's more of a walk on than even Hurler, which kind of hurts my soul a bit.

Anaconda's 90's charm might not bother us coaster kids, as we all have some varying love for an old Arrow, but I think for the general public, this thing is starting to become unsightly. On more than one occasion, while standing in line for I305, I've heard the general public joke about it chugging along and that the rough beast needs to go.

Indeed, it's getting to be pretty rough. I took a few rides on it while there, and I can only tolerate the front car. Anywhere else, and I feel like my neck is going to snap.

I managed to also take a look at the lake area while mini-marathoning I305. It's got huge potential and I think the execs at KD know this.

On the flip side of things, I could be totally wrong. Hurler is running even worse than I can remember it. The damn thing couldn't even stay straight enough on the track, jerking every foot or so during the straightaways.

In addition, I took a few moments to notice how clean the Hurler station is looking -- it's almost like they are prepping the station to be reused for something else.

Ultimately, it's really all a crapshoot at this point. Hurler, as rough as it is, gets people's attention for being a wooden roller coaster and so people kind of flock over to it. Anaconda gets really no accolades from the general public as it looks old and, by being on the lake, it just highlights the "decaying qualities" of the ride.

Considering Apocolypse was the most recent "new" coaster and also considering how long it was added after Batwing that is not going to happen. I would say a Skyscreamer here as well but with Kings Dominion having the taller Windseeker just down the road I'm not sure if that's a logical move for them.

Kings Dominion - Intimidator 305 will be four years old in 2014.

As for the Cedar Fair parks I see Kings Dominion to be the next to get a wing coaster but not until 2015. Also I don't see Grizzly going anywhere though I wish they would make it easier to get to the ride (not through a gift shop either). Hurler needs to burn in hell.

I disagree. Kings Dominion is a good 1 1/2 to 2 hours away and draws a different crowd. From my experience, most people at Six Flags America tend to be far from the enthusiasts you see at other parks and go to Six Flags because it's cost effective.

If Six Flags America is indeed one of the least profitable parks in the chain as many are noting, I go against my original wishes and foresee them implementing that SkyScreamer or some other small flat ride in 2014, as it would be enough exposure to generate interest from the local crowds that attend, but not bankrupt the park. Apocalypse did just that and most people will never know it's a 20+ year old coaster.

How high and where to put the SkyScreamer and/or other flat ride is the question, since it seems they are under height restrictions.

I took a trip there the Saturday before last and started looking around at possibilities. If the drop tower by the Wild One wasn't already there, a SkyScreamer would be a perfect fit where the old Two Face station is -- the many times I take a ride on the drop tower facing the rest of the park, the view has been phenomenal for such a small park.

Not sure where else they could put something really, considering the land over by Superman and Batwing has primarily been used for storage and/or as a graveyard for many parts and decaying coasters coming through (I still want my TOGO pipeline coaster that was delivered in 2006, dang it -- RIP Ultra Twister).

As for KD, a wing coaster flying in and out of the wooded area by Hurler (after it burns to the ground, of course) would be awesome, if impracticable. One can wish though. :)

I can say with absolute confidence that SFA greatly exceeded their annual budget in regards to attendance and gate admissions between the years of 2002-2011, most years anyway.

The mindset with SFA from the HQ's perspective was 'if the park is pulling these kinds of numbers without a major capital investment, why invest?'

This is coming from the guy whose name was twice removed from the Apocalypse Media Day list because the park still can't figure out who and how I get the information that I receive and most of the time it's pretty damn accurate.

SFA's current height limit, I believe, is still around 200'. There was speculation in the past year that the park was seeking some sort of arrangement similar to SFNE's situation where as they (SFA) wanted to be able to install taller attractions in certain areas of the park, exceeding the 200' limit, and sought variance from their current limits. I don't know where that stands now.

As far as replacing attractions are concerned (in regards to the Two Face location), the park does not need to have the general approval of the county for a new attraction that replaces an old attraction. I don't know the legalise of this as I'm not a lawyer, but as I understand it they park still needs to apply for permitting for footers, electrical, etc type stuff. SFA just doesn't need the approval provided the new attraction fits within the previous zoning of the previous attraction. With this being said, and taking into account the 200' limit, I don't see SFA putting in a 137' tall Sky Screamer ride (Two Face's height).

A ride such as a Sky Screamer is something SFA desparately needs. SFA needs a signature thrill ride as they have not have one in many years. ALL of the park's existing rides predate the 1999 flagship of the park. The scramber, the round up, the bumper cars all date back to the Wild World days of the park. Premier Parks invested in some flats between 92-98 and many of those have been removed over the past ten years. They never replaced the enterprise, or the Iron Eagle (Zamperla Roto-Shake), or even their Tilt-A-Whirl, an amusement park standard. For the size of the park that SFA is, they really need a thrill ride. They don't need another coaster, that's for sure.

SFA has no problem pulling people through the turnstiles. A single day admission is up to $59.99. SFA's glaring weakness from a revenue stand point is their ability to pull in group sales and park buyouts. It's not uncommon for SFA to add dates on weekends in September well into the summer months because they are simply unable to get corporate buy outs that other parks in the region (Hershey and KD) attract. Every since the botched opening of SFA in 1999, to the gang incidents, robberies, and overly hype ride malfunctions, corporations simply refuse to have their buy outs and family days there.

While at Kings Island last Wednesday I rode Flight Deck with a off duty employee. He told me the park has trade marked the name " Banshee". I also rode Drop Zone and did spot some footers. A couple of them were in a triangle shape. I'll be headed back to the park several times this year, so I'll get to see their progress. That employee also told me that the rumor is that a B&M giga is being built, but that's just rumors now.

Busch Gardens Africa just announced Falcon's Fury, a 335 ft. drop tower. What is unique about this one is that your are raised up in the sitting position. As the ride comes to the top the seats tilt simular to the B&M flying coasters. You then drop in a flying position, face down. This sounds like the ultimate drop tower.

Busch Gardens Africa just announced Falcon's Fury, a 335 ft. drop tower. What is unique about this one is that your are raised up in the sitting position. As the ride comes to the top the seats tilt simular to the B&M flying coasters. You then drop in a flying position, face down. This sounds like the ultimate drop tower.

Sounds pretty exhilarating, like the next evolution of Acrophobia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrophobia_(ride)).

I may be visiting Busch Gardens Africa in the fall so I'll take some pictures of any work I see while there.

Edit: I have to wonder how they are going to address people's items falling from their clothing at that height, in that position. Although they currently check people's hands on most drops before going up, I can see someone not securely strapping their phone, coins, etc. to their clothing and it slipping out during the position change and/or on the way down.

For SFA (my home park), I think the GP likes Apocalypse well enough for it to keep them quiet for a few more years....but the enthusiasts who go there will still feel un-fulfilled. I went there with a friend last fall (opening day of FrightFest, which royally sucked) and he wasn't impressed by any of the coasters. I'm a bit upset to find out that Superman. RoS isn't even a "real" hypercoaster, but it's still pretty damn high....anyway, I don't see the management adding anything else, they're getting plenty of visitors as it is (from what I hear.)

For a while I've been thinking of a world's first chain/cable-lift strata coaster. I haven't ridden a wingrider or a floorless coaster, but I think that CF isn't about to add another one of those to a park, and building the world's first non-launched stratacoaster would likely put KI back on the map.

I've also thought about another (or the first) wooden hyper/giga coaster, but with SoB as a recent loss I doubt CF would spend the money to build another similar coaster. Another El Toro-type Intamin woodie would be great, but it seems like the GP is falling out of favor with non-inverting woodies and going for the gimmicky steel coasters and RM hybrids.

^^^It's not a Eurofighter 'per se' as that's a Gerstlauer brand, but I get what you're saying with the Eurofighter-style layout. The renderings show the trains with an unique sitting configuration (3 across and 3 deep, for a total of nine per train). It's nice to hear that CI is finally getting a custom made coaster, something which hasn't happened in a long time.

For SFA (my home park), I think the GP likes Apocalypse well enough for it to keep them quiet for a few more years....but the enthusiasts who go there will still feel un-fulfilled. I went there with a friend last fall (opening day of FrightFest, which royally sucked) and he wasn't impressed by any of the coasters. I'm a bit upset to find out that Superman. RoS isn't even a "real" hypercoaster, but it's still pretty damn high....anyway, I don't see the management adding anything else, they're getting plenty of visitors as it is (from what I hear.)

Barring the possible addition of a new coaster,
I'd like to see SFA get even a decent flat ride, like a Huss giant frisbee or an S&S swing, even if it was a 2nd hand ride (not sure if other SF parks have any of those types of flats or not). I also think that what helps keep this park going is the water park - it is always very busy when it is open (unless the weather isn't good), far more busy than the rest of the park. In other words, if they were to pull a Geauga Lake and remove everything but the waterpark, the waterpark alone would still be extremely popular.

But luckily, I'm only about 2 1/2 hours from HP and KD, and less than 4 hrs from SF Great Adventure and BGE.

The lift in this concept video of Coney's new coaster not only looks nothing like a Euro-Fighter lift, it doesn't even look like the lift in the artist renderings above. What it DOES look like is a nice ride that will be a nightmare for capacity and really damn short!

Besides, you can spot Debbie Harry in the video, so it's GOTTA be good....right?

The lift in this concept video of Coney's new coaster not only looks nothing like a Euro-Fighter lift, it doesn't even look like the lift in the artist renderings above. What it DOES look like is a nice ride that will be a nightmare for capacity and really damn short!

Besides, you can spot Debbie Harry in the video, so it's GOTTA be good....right?

That does look pretty awesome......the track looks kinda like a Premier Rides coaster....and Coney could do with an awesome world's-first coaster (as well as an inverting coaster). The thing that bothers me is the lift layout and the fact that only two cars can run at one time. The Zamperla flying coaster has a similar spiral lift and a similar car system (three in a row, one row), and it's got terrible capacity. But I'd gladly sacrifice in terms of wait time for a great coaster

While at Kings Island last Wednesday I rode Flight Deck with a off duty employee. He told me the park has trade marked the name " Banshee". I also rode Drop Zone and did spot some footers. A couple of them were in a triangle shape. I'll be headed back to the park several times this year, so I'll get to see their progress. That employee also told me that the rumor is that a B&M giga is being built, but that's just rumors now.

Yeah, to be honest I'll be very surprised if it isn't a 300 ft B&M like Leviathan. Especially with all of that space there, and those unique triangle footers that Leviathan has. It definitely will be thrilling, but I was hoping for something more unique to that park, but I guess that making larger versions of the same style/make coaster (Diamondback) the park already has is all of the rage now; After all bigger is better... Sorry for my mini-rant.

Just a hypothetical response but what if Kings Island's new coaster instead turns out to be a huge B&M invert instead of a giga? Despite having Flight Deck and Invertigo in the immediate vicinity a full circuit inverted coaster has become a staple a majority of the larger parks and is missing from KI's lineup.

Not sure if they would want to go Alpengeist big but let's supppose they were to go bigger than Alpie on this one. World's tallest and fastest invert would be a big selling point and give the park bragging rights. I think the name Banshee, if that is the name of this coaster, would be a better name for an inverted coaster rather than a giga.

Just a hypothetical response but what if Kings Island's new coaster instead turns out to be a huge B&M invert instead of a giga? Despite having Flight Deck and Invertigo in the immediate vicinity a full circuit inverted coaster has become a staple a majority of the larger parks and is missing from KI's lineup.

Not sure if they would want to go Alpengeist big but let's supppose they were to go bigger than Alpie on this one. World's tallest and fastest invert would be a big selling point and give the park bragging rights. I think the name Banshee, if that is the name of this coaster, would be a better name for an inverted coaster rather than a giga.

G-Dog

Kings Island is the only major park in the U.S. I can think of that does NOT have an inverted coaster (excluding Invertigo of course). My preference would be a B&M invert over any other coaster option for 2014.

I would love to see them out-do Alpengeist too. The ride would be very marketable, and as a big B&M Invert fan, it would get me back to the park in 2014.

The new Thunderbolt ride looks pretty cool. I do agree it will be a capacity nightmare. It's something that I'd go on a slow day. I'm just a little worried about the issues with that lift, otherwise I like how creative it is to save on the space for the rest of the ride.

As for KI and another B&M giga, I do agree on a level that it is essentially the same ride as a mega/hyper. Why not let another park get a B&M giga? I would fall under the group that thinks it is just 'one upping' a current ride.
With CP a few miles away, I doubt they will give its sister park another wing coaster and as much as I think MF seems pretty good overall, CP will never let any park top their ride. Imo, I305 could've worked better if it was a close to similar to MF with the over banked turns.* Don't get me wrong I305 on its own right is pretty good now, but I think it would've been better as lap bar restraints and without the quick left-right transition that slams you into the otsrs.

Busch Gardens Africa just announced Falcon's Fury, a 335 ft. drop tower. What is unique about this one is that your are raised up in the sitting position. As the ride comes to the top the seats tilt simular to the B&M flying coasters. You then drop in a flying position, face down. This sounds like the ultimate drop tower.

Damn, and this was the last year for my pass. I probably won't be going back to BGT for a few more years since I've already been there for 3 seasons
and going somewhere else next year. But I was there last month and saw some construction vehicles there. I guess I won't miss out if there are the 1st year teething issues.
As for Universal Studios, the Harry Potter section looks like it's coming along nicely. I can see the elevated track stretching from Universal to IOA from the lift hill of the Dragons. I guess it might be a back and forth thing since the station looks like it stops just before it 'hits' the supports of the coasters. Not a HP fan, but I will look forward to the finished product.

Just saw this link on Facebook. Looks like Prince George's County is lifting the height limit placed on SFA's attractions. While they keep mentioning roller coasters, I am willing to bet we can expect an announcement for a Sky Screamer shortly.

Just saw this link on Facebook. Looks like Prince George's County is lifting the height limit placed on SFA's attractions. While they keep mentioning roller coasters, I am willing to bet we can expect an announcement for a Sky Screamer shortly.

Here's what I'd like to see for my home park:
-A retrack of Wild One. To me it seems that if Rocky Mountain's engineers came in and re-did the coaster, it could really be something special.
-The placement of a compact ride, like an S&S El Loco, where Two-Face used to be. Six Flags hasn't yet installed an El Loco at any of their parks, but they seem to have almost every other kind of coaster.
-A gigacoaster would also be a great addition; personally, I'd like to see Superman's height be raised, the drop steepened, and maybe an inversion or two thrown in? Having a huge vertical loop under the lift hill would look nice.
-Six Flags New England has two Boomerangs (one a Giant Invertigo, the other a standard sit-down model). Am I the only one here who thinks there's something wrong with having two types of the same brand of coaster at one park? SFA could keep the Two-Face sign and theme, but just use SFNE's sit-down boomerang instead of an Invertigo model.

Just saw this link on Facebook. Looks like Prince George's County is lifting the height limit placed on SFA's attractions. While they keep mentioning roller coasters, I am willing to bet we can expect an announcement for a Sky Screamer shortly.

Here's what I'd like to see for my home park:
-A retrack of Wild One. To me it seems that if Rocky Mountain's engineers came in and re-did the coaster, it could really be something special.
-The placement of a compact ride, like an S&S El Loco, where Two-Face used to be. Six Flags hasn't yet installed an El Loco at any of their parks, but they seem to have almost every other kind of coaster.
-A gigacoaster would also be a great addition; personally, I'd like to see Superman's height be raised, the drop steepened, and maybe an inversion or two thrown in? Having a huge vertical loop under the lift hill would look nice.
-Six Flags New England has two Boomerangs (one a Giant Invertigo, the other a standard sit-down model). Am I the only one here who thinks there's something wrong with having two types of the same brand of coaster at one park? SFA could keep the Two-Face sign and theme, but just use SFNE's sit-down boomerang instead of an Invertigo model.

It's also my homepark so I have some mixed feelings about your suggestions.

I disagree with the Rocky Mountain rehab. If you're suggesting the ibox track, then I deifnitley say no. You'd be ruining a classic (can't believe it's about to be 100 years old).

If you're suggesting their topper track, maybe, but I'd still feel iffy about the whole thing. I think coasters of this age should be left in their original state. Cost effectiveness aside, there is something to be said about riding an old wooden with all its great moments, as well as its flaws. Brings out the coaster's charm, in my opinion.

An El Loco in the spot where Two Face once was can be a smart move for SFA. With Looney Tunes Movie Town next door, they could expand that area of the park and incorporate the new El Loco, branding it as a Looney Tunes roller coaster that the family can enjoy together. It'd bring some life back to this section as I think it's sometimes forgotten (I walk by it all the time and don't think twice about what's back there which is basically nothing except a few flats and a kiddie coaster).

On the topic of expansion, much like the other areas of the park, Gotham City is really not themed well. The area for Gotham City is about 1/3 of the park, yet it's barren as anything. There are only six rides total in the area with little ol' Whistlestop Park, akwardly taking up a small corner. If they moved the entrance to WP and re-branded the rest of the Gotham City section as Superhero Alley (or something along that vein) so that Sky Coaster and Superman fit the theme better, they could build off of this idea and make a large coaster seem well thought out.

I took about twelve consecutive rides on Superman yesterday morning (probably could have gone all day but I had places to be), and on the way up each time, I kept surveying the area around Batwing and Superman. There is SO MUCH land that is underutilized. Anything, from a Giga to a GCI creation could go into this land and work in conjunction with the existing rides.

Conversely, Coyote Creek and Skull Island encroaches onto the open land by Superman so an expansion of those areas could also be nice.

I'm not sure I'm entirely sold on a Boomerang coming back to SFA. The park already has three headbanging, headache inducing rides as it is. SFA would be taking a risk bringing in another Vekoma coaster, especially on the ill-fated grounds of Two Face. However, if Apocalypse is any indication, it'd probably do well with the general public.

Looking at all the speculation on this website, as well as elsewhere, I agree that a SkyScreamer is probably on the way. I don't think SFA would have fought as hard as they did to get the height restriction lifted if it wasn't for a cost effective flat ride in the works.

Then again, I could see them ramping up their game with a coaster in 2015 and capitalizing on all the observations and suggestions I mentioned above.

Just to be clear, the height limit thing at SFA has been in the works for over a year now and it's not that the park can put in whatever it wants. They still must seek approval for each new installation and this county historically drags their feet when it comes to these types of things.

Certainly, no one here is naive enough to think that SFA did not receive the variance approval without a specific attraction in mind. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about an approval hearing before the summer is out. (But knowing SFA, they will probably still drag it out until later. They are STILL busy trying to get their 2013 addition completed.)

Frankly, the only reason we haven't heard about it already is that they need the approval from corporate for the funds.

lol, a 300' tall inverted coaster? I just hope if it is an invert they not use a cobra roll and use a batwing instead. The 'ice' side of 'chasing' dragons reminded me how much I hate those on an invert.

Regarding the Busch Gardens coaster, we had a BGW rep at my workplace handing out brochures and whatnot. I asked him about new coasters, he said there was definitely something brewing. not even sure how much this guy would even know, but i'll take it.

As for all the new possible rides that we know of for next year so far, I'm super excited to see Busch Gardens new drop tower. That is a huge step for any park; let alone BGW, which usually doesn't go that far off the map with a non coaster ride.

As for the un announced rides I'm curious for the announcements of Holiday World, Kentucky Kingdom, and Kings Island.

Based on what info we know (and don't know) I would love to see KY Kingdom put in a intamin looper like maverick: something Kings Island nor Holiday World have that would set them apart from the 3.

As for Holiday World: I'd love to see a couple things happen here (whether 2014 and beyond) I'd love to see more adult rides in the dry and water park. They have no single person speed style slides. In the dry park I'd love to see a huss frisbee as well as imagine an inverted coaster going out in those woods along side of Voyage, or a version of macks blue fire.

As for Kings Island I really would love a massive inverted B&M ride with the trenches (ala graves) to fit in with the banshee theme. But then again a massive traditional sitdown would suit me just fine also.

It would surprise me if it wasn't a winged coaster like xflight at sfgam. I just hope it isn't a clone and has some unique layout. What i also hope if this is going to be a coaster is that an existing coaster not be removed (well dark crap being an exception of course, that can go away,lol). They have space over by the batman/nitro area. There is no need to stack everything where bizarro and gl are.

I think Holiday World will get their act together enough to build a roller coaster. Its been since 2006 since any roller coaster was built (voyage). From what they've shown, they have a good plan. But with the way they've been going with Splashin' Safari, there's no telling. As they've added water rides every year. It would be nice to see a B&M Giga Coaster or even a B&M winged coaster. Also, I'm not sure what other people think, but I'd like to see Rocky Mountain on Legend or even Raven.

I think a "flying" coaster like Gatekeeper at Cedar Point or Wild Eagle at Dollywood would be nice in Holiday World. With the terrain they have to work with, they could easily break records as well as theme the coaster well into an existing section or even a new one. They could base a whole new section in the fields next to Giraffica(formerly Pilgrims Plunge). And they could build a Massive drop tower like Falcons fury in The section as well. The theming possibilities for Holiday World are nice, and im not saying family friendly isnt good, but we need some extreme thrill rides for adults. Please reply on what you think should happen.

Would a drop tower go over well at KK after what happened with Hellevator/Superman? I'm not sure if it's a wise idea to put one in at least at this time, but maybe later on since I think it's still a bit fresh in most people's minds.

I think Holiday World will get their act together enough to build a roller coaster. Its been since 2006 since any roller coaster was built (voyage). From what they've shown, they have a good plan. But with the way they've been going with Splashin' Safari, there's no telling. As they've added water rides every year. It would be nice to see a B&M Giga Coaster or even a B&M winged coaster. Also, I'm not sure what other people think, but I'd like to see Rocky Mountain on Legend or even Raven.

I think a "flying" coaster like Gatekeeper at Cedar Point or Wild Eagle at Dollywood would be nice in Holiday World. With the terrain they have to work with, they could easily break records as well as theme the coaster well into an existing section or even a new one. They could base a whole new section in the fields next to Giraffica(formerly Pilgrims Plunge). And they could build a Massive drop tower like Falcons fury in The section as well. The theming possibilities for Holiday World are nice, and im not saying family friendly isnt good, but we need some extreme thrill rides for adults. Please reply on what you think should happen.

Regarding Holiday World, I would be surprised to see a coaster there anytime soon, atleast until that family feud over the park is settled. IMO a large capacity B&M, never the less a towering giga-sized coaster doesn't fit the environment of HW.

For a new steelie, an Eurofighter would be more ideal IMO. Raven was pretty smooth when I rode last year; I don't see it needing any Rocky Mtn treatment. I love Legend, but I can see how people think that it's a lil rough; Maybe new trains would ease this high lateral-G coaster.

Actually Gatekeeper & Wild Eagle are 'Wing coasters' not flying coasters. HW already has Liberty Launch, I don't think that HW is looking for a super-lofty tower ride like Falcon's Fury any time soon. IMO HW has that good 'small park' charm, with the benefit of some great world class wooden coasters. Thrilling rides are good, don't get me wrong, but I wouldn't want HW go 'mainstream, large park' with these towering attractions, at the same time losing the parks charm.

I just wanted to add that I really hope that they don't add a drop tower to KK or in the park in general, I mean for me, they're just not that exciting after 3 or more times, but just think for a second KK the train go's up at a 90 degree angle, go's over the top hat and back down at a 90 degree angle.......a drop tower go's up 90 degree angle and back down a 90 degree angle... whats really the difference there besides the speed. It makes no sense to put a drop tower on KK.

I agree!! I really don't think Great Adventure needs that drop tower. I am trying to think what would fit best since they already have such a varied collection of different coasters in the park. How about a 4th dimension type coaster??? The East Coast needs one of those!!

I disagree completely. SFGadv needs either a Drop Tower or a Huss Frissbee. They took out all of our flats years ago. While they've started to replace some of them there are still more needed. I would naturally rather have a dive coaster (or even a wing coaster but I think that's unlikely) but if it's a drop tower I'd be happy with that - as long as it's not piggy backing KK.

There have been rumors that the Parachute ride's days are numbered for a while - that wouldn't be a bad place for a drop tower. Or back by Medusa so you could overlook the safari and bring more traffic her way as well. Have it done Kings Island style where it rotates before it drops and have it so it drops at different times every ride (in a cycle of 2-4 different rotations) so you can't time it for anticipation.

Free Fall was still drawing crowds until its last breath - RIP Free Fall :-( - so a drop tower will do very well.

An indoor Mouse near Pittsburgh happens to be one of my favorite rides.

Now that it's been "semi-officially" announced that Batman and Superman will both appear in a 2015 follow-up to Man Of Steel, I wonder if they'll re-theme Dark Knight. And there's a Flash movie in the works too. I've always speculated that Kingda Ka could be re-themed to the Flash pretty easily.

Not saying either change will happen....

The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist...

Agreed. I have no issues with wild mouse coasters. My main gripe with sfgadv was they marketed it like it was in the same levels as Nitro and the other big rides there. That made the ride that much disappointing besides the cheap cardboard cutouts along the tracks. If it was a themed looney toons kids ride, then no problems imo.

Just heard that news, I'm a bit mixed on the latest Superman movie and am not sure how well another stand alone superman movie would do, but a batman-superman team up would be awesome! I don't have faith WB can get a justice league movie made, but getting batman and superman together would be good enough for me.

Flash, I think they could give KK the TDD paint scheme of red and yellow (not exact, but something like it). Now whether CP would argue that is another story. but retheming KK would bea an 'easy' thing to do and they won't need to waste money on building another 1 trick pony (sorry jen, but they could've done more with the launch than just add a hill).

Retheming KK will not happen. No way will they paint it to look like TTD - not in a million years. Now why don't one of you go and tell him of your plans:

The Bengal tiger on the left in his den - this is Kingda Ka. He is a Golden Tabby Bengal tiger (hence the Golden Kingdom) and there are only about 60 of them in the world as they are very rare.

He was born long before the coaster and it is named and themed after him. Let him know of your plans to redo his coaster and let me know how that works out for you :-P

The name and theme of KK actually has deep meaning and connection to the park - this rare tiger was born there (and used to be over in the Golden Kingdom Tiger display)- it's not changing.

There's a survey that's apparently going around (I have not received it yet) as this was posted on Screamscape:

2014 - Giga Drop / Giant Drop - Rumor - (7/19/13) Six Flags put out an interesting survey for SFGAdv guests asking them to vote for the best sounding name for an “Africa themed, intense thrill ride”. They were to choose from “Kimanjo, Zumanjaro, Kimondo, Kushuku, or Shango”.
This alone seems to lock in the location that the park’s next major ride will go in somewhere on the new Safari end of the park, no matter if this is the rumored freefall ride or something else entirely. As for the names… while Six Flags failed to explain what any of them meant in the survey, running the names through Google and Google Translate has yielded some interesting and even amusing results.
Kimanjo is the name of a location in Kenya.
Zumanjaro comes up with no results at all and appears to be simply made up, as if they tried to put “Zu” in font of Kilamanjaro. Sorry… as the old Disney ads used to put it, Nahtazu!
Kimondo is another province within Kenya, but also translated from Swahili as the word for a Meteor or Shooting Star in the sky.
Kushuku translates from Swahili as “Skepticism”
And finally, Shango translates from Swahili as “Chlamydia”. Ummm… yeah… they went there. Sorry… while Six Flags may end up starting a new Meme with that one, I don’t think we’ll be riding Chlamydia: The Ride anytime soon.
My vote is for Kimondo… as a shooting star is a perfect theme for a massive freefall tower I think.

So it looks like the rumors of a drop tower are coming to fruition and it appears it will not be piggy backing KK from what we know of so far.

Are you the western area of the park couldn't be looking at a re-theme for the 40th anniversary? With the addition of the Safari and the removal of the Conestoga and the Super Teepee, I know a certain floorless coaster that could be looking for a new home :)

Are you the western area of the park couldn't be looking at a re-theme for the 40th anniversary? With the addition of the Safari and the removal of the Conestoga and the Super Teepee, I know a certain floorless coaster that could be looking for a new home :)

Paul

Nice try but the rumors circulating are that Rolling Thunder is the one getting the ax. We'll see. Keep your grimy SFA hands off MY Medusa!! :-P

lol, I typically associate king with lions, but if I ever finish my BGT pics, I'll one up you on your tiger pic :)
Eh, I don't think Gadv will retheme KK, but they changed Medusa to Bizarro. So it won't be out of the question if they did do a retheme on that level which would be cheaper than to build a new coaster and theming that, plus the speed part is already there.

As for Bizarro, I do hope that isn't moved. Much as I'd like a winged coaster, I don't want it at the expense of another coaster as good as Bizarro is. I'd much rather see them tear down 'screeching lumber' instead.

lol, I typically associate king with lions, but if I ever finish my BGT pics, I'll one up you on your tiger pic :)

You didn't think this was a lion did you? LOL!

Eh, I don't think Gadv will retheme KK, but they changed Medusa to Bizarro. So it won't be out of the question if they did do a retheme on that level which would be cheaper than to build a new coaster and theming that, plus the speed part is already there.

But they added a lot to Medusa (and not for the better IMO but thankfully they removed the noise boxes!) - not sure what they could really do to make KK "new". Don't think that will happen. It's too popular the way it is.

As for Bizarro, I do hope that isn't moved. Much as I'd like a winged coaster, I don't want it at the expense of another coaster as good as Bizarro is. I'd much rather see them tear down 'screeching lumber' instead.

Agree 110%! If they so much as touch her I'll freak out. I've really started to appreciate her as one of my favorite coasters the last few years. The only loop I actually get a "wee" on. They changed the queue entrance to the shorter side so that had me a bit worried but it's also just practical I suppose. Or perhaps the new drop tower will be going up in that area.

New Medusa/Bizarro entrance

Old entrance.

This would make perfect sense to put the drop tower here. Someone on FB said someone at the park mentioned something about the baboons with the new ride and the baboons are behind the trees there. Plus, it will increase traffic to the area and therefore more ridership on Medusa. I thought the Safari would accomplish that but I think it's too far away since I have been seeing any line increase - still always a walk on.

Screamscape is reporting that a possible Vekoma SFC may be one of the concepts SFA is considering for next year in addition to either the idea of a newly built ZacSpin by Mind Eraser or Rajin' Cajun being moved over to where Two Face once stood.

Rodeo, a Huss Breakdance, was closed yesterday and that's being rumored to be removed so we'll just have to wait and see.

Screamscape is reporting that a possible Vekoma SFC may be one of the concepts SFA is considering for next year in addition to either the idea of a newly built ZacSpin by Mind Eraser or Rajin' Cajun being moved over to where Two Face once stood.

Rodeo, a Huss Breakdance, was closed yesterday and that's being rumored to be removed so we'll just have to wait and see.

I haven't heard a thing about Six Flags St. Louis and its making me think that we are getting a parade or something like that but you never now the could be keeping it quiet for something like the smiler I can always hope.

I haven't heard a thing about Six Flags St. Louis and its making me think that we are getting a parade or something like that but you never now the could be keeping it quiet for something like the smiler I can always hope.

You mean that new coaster at Alton that's already falling apart after a few months in operation? No thank you. ;-)

Darien Lake's announcement really intrigues me. I hope this is a new installation and not a alteration of Predator. Predator is finally started to run well and it would be a shame if they mess with it now. When we were at Darien Lake in May, my daughter and I both agreed that the park needed another coaster. I really like the setting of Darien Lake and if this coaster is built, we'll be headed back there next year.

The general consensus seem to be it'll be a drop tower of some sort, or a new coaster with the rumored removal of Rolling Thunder (BOTH?)

But let's not forget about that abandoned simulator building near Green Lantern. That's been unoccupied for about three years now. I did a GAdv survey a while back that asked about a record-breaking walk-through interactive fun-house. Perhaps the fate of this building will be part of the announcement on the 29th of August.

Anything's gotta be better than the last occupant..that stupid Mice In Space movie, whatever the (bleep) it was called...

Mike

The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist...

A funhouse and Great Adventure should not be mentioned in the same sentence. Um, no thanks.

I know it's been nearly 30 years, but unless it were tracked, and not a walk-through, I don't know how that would be received.

I wouldn't worry about that - how do you make a record breaking fun house? I'd bet money that it's a drop tower, which I'm completely fine with and have been asking for (along with a Huss frisbee since SFGAM stole my Pendulum and a Dive coaster) for sometime so I can't complain if it is.

They really do have to do something with Rolling Thunder and I've been hearing the same rumors. I've been saying the past few years - either retrack and paint it or tear it down. Stop letting it rot. It's painful for those of us who grew up with that being an awesome racing woodie watching it decay into what it has become. Shame on them!

The thought entered my mind as well, but I would think Lake Monster is not a revamping of Predator. Predator is longer at 3,400 ft. If anything I would think the a reconfiguration would extend the existing Predator - as with Texas Giant, the RMC makeover created a taller coaster with more track length. But then again - Predator does snake along the side of the lake..

I'm one who actually really enjoys predator, I think its a wonderfully out of control ride. As long as you're sitting in the right seat, anyway...

Darien Lake's announcement really intrigues me. I hope this is a new installation and not a alteration of Predator. Predator is finally started to run well and it would be a shame if they mess with it now. When we were at Darien Lake in May, my daughter and I both agreed that the park needed another coaster. I really like the setting of Darien Lake and if this coaster is built, we'll be headed back there next year.

Screamscape is reporting today that Lake Monster may very well be a re-do of Predator. And I agree with you Ken, it would be a shame. Predator was running pretty darn well in 2012.

I just want Six Flags Great Adventure to somehow stop f*cking spending so much time and money on so many adverts and just get back to what they do best...RIDES. I don't care about those bags of chips, or kia rio's, or stride gum.

Paint Nitro's sign for f*cks sake, get me stuntman's freefall back, put in a water ride in the dry park for the hot summer park goers, and build a respectable coaster that isn't in a box.

Too many rides have been removed, and it's time to step up and make this park what it can be, and that's one of the best on the planet.

As for other park talk, I hope Holiday World gets a coaster. Loved that park on my visit in the spring, and would love to have a big reason to go back!

On a side note, Mugen, I know how you feel. SFA has removed more flats than any other Six Flags park and haven't replaced a single one. They have Grown Ups 2/Smurfs 2 ads up and down the Gotham City area. What the hell ever happened to theming.

The wait for KI's announcement will be over soon as the park's Facebook page says that the announcement for a new "world record-breaking attraction" will be Thursday August 7 at 10:00 PM after the fireworks show.

So I just got back from six flags great adventure where a tour guide on the off-road safari said legally he can't release much details but that they definitely have big plans for the safari.. including using it as a fright fest attraction this year and more plans to expand it for next year. We had asked about the monkeys because years ago they had an area with baboons that they removed from the tour due to them ripping off antennas and such. Immediately he said he can't say anything legally, but that next year they will be back. Also we were first in the park waiting at the gate for them to open and participated in a survey asking how important we felt rollercoasters, family rides, and shows are. So I'm feeling this was a good sign showing some planning for 2014. Also screamscape said a few weeks ago rolling thunder shut down and only the left side was reopened. I can confirm this but the right side, at least the lift, was drastically different then the left side. There were no cross ties on it just the space for the chain. If that doesn't make since think a railroad track with just rails nothing in between them. Who knows maybe repairs, maybe demolition?

Visited King Island today. I'm also in the media so things are starting to add up. Firstly our newsroom received the media invite today for the big reveal of their 2014 ride. It consisted of a large silver comb with some fake hair in it. "Record breaking" on the media invitation. The announcement is scheduled for Thursday, 8/8. Secondly, I saw what's going on behind the fences. HUGE footers are already in place in the area right behind the now demolished Son of Beast (worse ride ever). They drop into the valley behind the building housing Flight of Rear (head banger). Given that many KI coasters are terrain huggers I'm betting on an Intamin Giga. 200'+ drop with a 100'+ more into the valley. See my footer photos on wlwt.com.

I don't know about your Mason spaghetti bowls, but our Doswell version is as smooth as a Premier can get. Even it's outdoor cousin in Mitchellville is a keeper.

On the note of the big footers, that makes me think a B&M invert more than anything. Actually, any real B&M, although if it were an Intamin with their three point support system ala I305, that would be interesting

I still think it's an invert though, unless Cedar Fair is going for the record of having four out of the five traditional sitdown giga coasters in the world.

I just hope Kings Island doesn't hype it more than they should. After the whole Kings Dominion Planet Snoopy Space Picture OMG Fiasco, my soul can't cant take it anymore.

I just hope Kings Island doesn't hype it more than they should. After the whole Kings Dominion Planet Snoopy Space Picture OMG Fiasco, anything is possible.

That was SO bad! KI has Diamondback so I think it would be foolish to do what they did up north. Put in something different. B&M hasn't done a new invert in a very long time - it's due. Or perhaps a floorless - I wonder why more of those weren't made. LOVE them!

So I just got back from six flags great adventure where a tour guide on the off-road safari said legally he can't release much details but that they definitely have big plans for the safari.. including using it as a fright fest attraction this year and more plans to expand it for next year. We had asked about the monkeys because years ago they had an area with baboons that they removed from the tour due to them ripping off antennas and such. Immediately he said he can't say anything legally, but that next year they will be back. Also we were first in the park waiting at the gate for them to open and participated in a survey asking how important we felt rollercoasters, family rides, and shows are. So I'm feeling this was a good sign showing some planning for 2014. Also screamscape said a few weeks ago rolling thunder shut down and only the left side was reopened. I can confirm this but the right side, at least the lift, was drastically different then the left side. There were no cross ties on it just the space for the chain. If that doesn't make since think a railroad track with just rails nothing in between them. Who knows maybe repairs, maybe demolition?

When I was on the Safari Friday they told us the same thing - that the baboons will be incorporated into the safari next year. They will probably build a fence around the road and on top of it so they can crawl overhead or something like that. I know they really don't want to disrupt the colonies and territory they already have so that would be the easiest thing to do with the least disruption. They'll only be taking out the road but they'll still have access to both sides. And they love to climb anyway so they would probably love it.

As for Rolling Thunder, rumors are circulating that it's being demolished. I checked my pics that I took while waiting for Jon on Friday and you're right - the right side is already being taken apart it appears. I didn't even notice. It was very crowded and I attempted to ride but the line was too long to wait for RT:

I'll be there twice next week - taking my 3 year old niece Tues (so I'll be trapped in kiddie hell all day) and Wed with my mom so I'll be sure to ride and see if I notice anything else. I'm sure they'll announce it if they're going to demolish so people can get their last rides in but with only one side open that line will be a bitch. If you want to ride RT and say goodbye do it now.

Didn't they just redo the train though with branding? Seems kind of a waste unless those trains are going elsewhere.

Just thought in my head how cool it would be if they made the right side a steel coaster so that the two raced each other.

Either way, looks like if it gets closed by fall, I may get my one and only ride ever on it next week.

Was there a difference in the sides i.e. how well it ran?

I always preferred the right side. They both ran the same but the right side was open more than the left the last few years when only one side was running. A lot of squeaking and train motion. Some days it runs better than others but it's tolerable. If you ride the back take the front of the back car - it's better than the very last row the last few years.

If Twix had any knowledge that they were taking it down (I bet they did) with all the guests that will be coming in to ride it before it goes maybe not such a stupid move. I thought simply sponsoring RT was stupid - now I see there may have been a more elaborate plan all along.

I'm disappointed if they are going to demolish it they should have had them racing until the end. Watch - the "big" news is they're retracking and painting RT - LOL!

Hmmm - could they be making a steel racer? Are there any steel racers that aren't dueling? That could be the record breaking comment.

Didn't they just redo the train though with branding? Seems kind of a waste unless those trains are going elsewhere.

Just thought in my head how cool it would be if they made the right side a steel coaster so that the two raced each other.

Either way, looks like if it gets closed by fall, I may get my one and only ride ever on it next week.

Was there a difference in the sides i.e. how well it ran?

I always preferred the right side. They both ran the same but the right side was open more than the left the last few years when only one side was running. A lot of squeaking and train motion. Some days it runs better than others but it's tolerable. If you ride the back take the front of the back car - it's better than the very last row the last few years.

If Twix had any knowledge that they were taking it down (I bet they did) with all the guests that will be coming in to ride it before it goes maybe not such a stupid move. I thought simply sponsoring RT was stupid - now I see there may have been a more elaborate plan all along.

I'm disappointed if they are going to demolish it they should have had them racing until the end. Watch - the "big" news is they're retracking and painting RT - LOL!

Hmmm - could they be making a steel racer? Are there any steel racers that aren't dueling? That could be the record breaking comment.

Jen

edit: Just thought of Gemini. oh well....

Maybe a Rolling Thunder and a Rolling Lightning? Wooden on the left, steel on the right?

A lot of crazy last minute rumors going on in anticipation for Thursday's unveiling of King's Island's speculated invert.

Images have been leaked online showing a dummy webpage that was up and then taken down immediately saying that The Bat is coming again in 2014.

In the pictures below, it's merely a wing coaster with new ideas incorporated in. Can't verify the authenticity and probably just another ruse set up by the park, but that'd be pretty damn neat if this was Bat 2.0, you know without all the problems.

Kings Island is doing a pretty damn good job keeping the enthusiasts in the dark. If they are sending out all of these different viral marketing materials to keep us guessing which is true, I hand it to them.

But cp usually keeps the biggest rides to itself (they could've outdone mf if they made i305 taller and/or longer. I just dont see them letting another park in their own chain outdoing them. I have to think it would be a flyer or an invert (since it's not like it matters to cp about the invert record regarding raptor).

Has anyone tried to translate the Latin on the page screenshots? I got "It is important in these tasks undertaken mistakes they made ​​life unknown. Is to be the first team to force dicarn hairstyle. giving another adoration delivered"

I'm still voting B&M invert, based on that whole "Mountain Spirit dethroned" clue, even if no source was cited. Unless it's a really impressive record or new feature, another B&M inverted coaster is just not all that exciting to me - that said, i'd still be lining up to ride it!

Has anyone tried to translate the Latin on the page screenshots? I got "It is important in these tasks undertaken mistakes they made ​​life unknown. Is to be the first team to force dicarn hairstyle. giving another adoration delivered"

It doesn't make any sense at all. But could it contain clues?

As for Six Flags America: Vote Dent in 2015!

JMiller, that text is Lorem Ipsum, a dummy text used by publishers and website builders to fill blank pages with text so that one can get a feel of what a publications and/or webpage would look like with text that resembles real sentences.

I use it all the time for my job.

Edit: On second look, it looks like it might be altered Lorem Ipsum which people do all the time.

I'm kind of rusty on my Latin but that would be clever if they hid some of the clues into the dummy webpage.

The underground inverted idea sounded really cool. I doubt that is what it will be though. My prediction is that it will be a wing rider since Cedar Fair seems to add the same type of ride to all of there parks in cycles. Just like when all the B&M hypers were being installed.

I'll be fairly disappointed if it is a Wing Rider, but I feel like that's what all the clues are pointing to. I would love the Invert, which seems to be the general opinion in the enthusiast community. (When was the last B&M invert in the US built anyway?)

However, if it is a Wing Rider, I can't see it being anything short of amazing. If it's the speculated 199ft that's on the dummy site and hits 70+mph, it will tear through that terrain. I'm seeing it as Dollywood's Wild Eagle version 2.0.

A wing rider that starts out enclosed, making you feel like you're in a cave of some sort, where a Bat would reside. Then it weaves around the indoor building a bit before going up an enclosed lift hill and then bursting out into the first drop like a bat swooping in to catch its prey, swerving in and out of the terrain, before screeching back into the enclosed station, aka cave.

If it is indeed the return of the bat, having riders hang by their feet would hit the theme on the money lol. Can you imagine a vertical loop like that? Nevermind the blackouts, eyeball popouts, dislocated hips, etc....

I'll be very surprised if this new KI coaster is anything swinging horizontally, esp with Flight Deck already there. Not to mention the unheard combo of inversions and lateral swinging. B&M is not exactly known for it's 'crazy innovations'.

There's one spinning coaster that I know with an inversion, Veil of Dark.

I'm normally not as enthralled by all the build up either, as even Gatekeeper had me yawning when people were freaking out over it's announcement, but something about the mysterious nature of this project has all of us (me at least) intrigued.

If anything, I'm curious, only to see if they screw it up like Kings Dominion did with the Planet Snoopy expansion... worst PR ever for that.

Also, it looks like either the GP and/or enthusiasts are in full flight there:

Kings Island @KingsIslandPR
That took less than one minute to have our winners.

Kings Island @KingsIslandPR
I am in Action Zone. The first 8 followers to show me this tweet on the device win VIP seating for tonight's announcement.

LOVE IT! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!!! It's exactly what I had hoped Kings Island would get. Love the colors and the haunted house looking station. The first drop looks like it's going to have some kick to it in the back seat. No mid-course to slow it down.

I hope they do the banshee's scream when each train departs the station. That would be awesome.

Banshee's Batwing is definitely unique. All previous batwings that I've seen the Dive Loop entrance, and the Immelmann exit are parallel to each other; The Banshee batwing's entrance & exit is unparallel, and it crosses over itself like a pretzel.

So I just got back from six flags great adventure where a tour guide on the off-road safari said legally he can't release much details but that they definitely have big plans for the safari.. including using it as a fright fest attraction this year and more plans to expand it for next year. We had asked about the monkeys because years ago they had an area with baboons that they removed from the tour due to them ripping off antennas and such. Immediately he said he can't say anything legally, but that next year they will be back. Also we were first in the park waiting at the gate for them to open and participated in a survey asking how important we felt rollercoasters, family rides, and shows are. So I'm feeling this was a good sign showing some planning for 2014. Also screamscape said a few weeks ago rolling thunder shut down and only the left side was reopened. I can confirm this but the right side, at least the lift, was drastically different then the left side. There were no cross ties on it just the space for the chain. If that doesn't make since think a railroad track with just rails nothing in between them. Who knows maybe repairs, maybe demolition?

Just want to point out that the metal covering the slats on the chain lift were there when the right side was still running so that has nothing to do with anything after all. This pic was taken on 4/13 of this year:

It's still coming down though and I'm not liking the rumors why either.

The right side was closed when I went a few weeks ago and took my little cousin on the left side.

We were just talking about Thunder and Runaway Train never going anywhere cause they are classics for that park. Also the fact that they are the baby first coasters for kids before they are ready for Nitro and Toro and Ka.

also my cousin is a GA OG from back in the day and he was telling us they used to run Thunders one side backwards, might have did it for a year and he went on it. That would be cool.

What we all thought was GA is missing those second rides, back in the day you had Freefall and Starship, Music Express, Condor etc. Miss those kinds of rides.

The right side was closed when I went a few weeks ago and took my little cousin on the left side.

We were just talking about Thunder and Runaway Train never going anywhere cause they are classics for that park. Also the fact that they are the baby first coasters for kids before they are ready for Nitro and Toro and Ka.

also my cousin is a GA OG from back in the day and he was telling us they used to run Thunders one side backwards, might have did it for a year and he went on it. That would be cool.

What we all thought was GA is missing those second rides, back in the day you had Freefall and Starship, Music Express, Condor etc. Miss those kinds of rides.

But I hope they dont take Thunder down.

I hope not too but I have a BAD feeling about this. Too many people know about this rumor and are taking it seriously. The lines have been long for RT the last few times I went and the right side has been closed for weeks now (which was the side they normally had operating). I think it's going.

They ran one side backwards one year in 1984 for the 100th anniversary of roller coasters. I rode it but I can't for the life of me remember it - I was 12.

I agree with you that they made a horrible decision when they removed all the flats - they are at least putting some back now. Looks like we're getting a drop tower as the new ride next year too. While Free Fall will always be near and dear to my heart a new drop tower would be nice. Just not liking the rumors of the piggy back on KK. We'll find out soon enough.

While I wasn't a huge fan of them on GateKeeper, the restraints look like they will make this a very, very nice ride experience.

Why you didn't like them on Gatekeeper?

I personally thought they were a bit uncomfortable around the chest area, but it might have been a fluke as I only got the one ride on it..

No fluke, they get really tight towards the end of the ride. I waz having minor issues breathing everytime. Still a great ride though, not even close to a deal breaker for me

It only happens to certain people. I rode it 6 times and it never got tight or uncomfortable on me at all. I think we figured out if your upper thigh area is on the small side (where the restraint falls on your lap) and your upper body on the large side it tends to tighten more.

It only happens to certain people. I rode it 6 times and it never got tight or uncomfortable on me at all. I think we figured out if your upper thigh area is on the small side (where the restraint falls on your lap) and your upper body on the large side it tends to tighten more.

Jen

Are you calling me a skinny-legged fat guy, Jen?

I think the restraints get very tight, bordering on uncomfortable. I hope B&M addresses it.

But I found that if you hold on and push out during the ride, you can alleviate it.

The right side was closed when I went a few weeks ago and took my little cousin on the left side.

We were just talking about Thunder and Runaway Train never going anywhere cause they are classics for that park. Also the fact that they are the baby first coasters for kids before they are ready for Nitro and Toro and Ka.

also my cousin is a GA OG from back in the day and he was telling us they used to run Thunders one side backwards, might have did it for a year and he went on it. That would be cool.

What we all thought was GA is missing those second rides, back in the day you had Freefall and Starship, Music Express, Condor etc. Miss those kinds of rides.

But I hope they dont take Thunder down.

I hope not too but I have a BAD feeling about this. Too many people know about this rumor and are taking it seriously. The lines have been long for RT the last few times I went and the right side has been closed for weeks now (which was the side they normally had operating). I think it's going.

They ran one side backwards one year in 1984 for the 100th anniversary of roller coasters. I rode it but I can't for the life of me remember it - I was 12.

I agree with you that they made a horrible decision when they removed all the flats - they are at least putting some back now. Looks like we're getting a drop tower as the new ride next year too. While Free Fall will always be near and dear to my heart a new drop tower would be nice. Just not liking the rumors of the piggy back on KK. We'll find out soon enough.

Jen

I just dont think its a good idea to take a classic coaster like Thunder out, what can they even put in that space? I dont think that space is big enough for a huge new ride.

As for a drop tower I thought they should have done that instead of the swings ride, wouldnt mind it but I'm hoping for a completely new coaster.

Why cant GA get something like that X2 coaster. Thats what they need.

I'm not a fan of Lantern, its ok for one ride but then it hurts my nuts, thats def not a ride you can ride over and over again like Toro or Ka or Medusa or Nitro. Would have rather they left Scream Machine in that spot.

It only happens to certain people. I rode it 6 times and it never got tight or uncomfortable on me at all. I think we figured out if your upper thigh area is on the small side (where the restraint falls on your lap) and your upper body on the large side it tends to tighten more.

Jen

Are you calling me a skinny-legged fat guy, Jen?

I think the restraints get very tight, bordering on uncomfortable. I hope B&M addresses it.

But I found that if you hold on and push out during the ride, you can alleviate it.

But I think defensive riding is ridiculous. I hope they fix it.

LMAO! Well, if the harness tightens.... :-P

Don't feel bad - I'm saying I have a big ass and thighs that keep it from ratcheting down, LOL!

Im not too sure what to make of this but Screamscape posted a new rumor On SFStL. They say its rumored they a new wet flat ride called Aqua Twist. No idea how it will be but thought I should post it still.
Brandon Carlson

I also heard about Rajin Cajun coming to SFA; if that's the case, then we will have what, 13 years without a new coaster? Obviously this wasn't the reason they have asked for the height restriction to be lifted, so we can only hope that they will also be putting in a starflyer like at Great Adventure.
A decent flat ride like that would be good, but seriously, how long do we have to wait for a NEW coaster at SFA? If SF's parks could be compared to children in a huge family, SFA is one of the youngest and therefore gets nothing but the older ones' hand-me-downs (when it gets anything at all!). And they aren't very good hand-me-downs at that! And worse, the "older child" that provides the hand-me-downs seems to be getting some very nice stuff!

I guess SFA must wonder whey they don't get much support from their local coaster and park enthusiasts (heck, I know there have even been at least a couple of ACE events there that got cancelled due to lack of interest).

Another year, another let down (if this rumor is true). I guess SFA will get a new coaster when Knoebels opens Flying Turns.

I also heard about Rajin Cajun coming to SFA; if that's the case, then we will have what, 13 years without a new coaster? Obviously this wasn't the reason they have asked for the height restriction to be lifted, so we can only hope that they will also be putting in a starflyer like at Great Adventure.
A decent flat ride like that would be good, but seriously, how long do we have to wait for a NEW coaster at SFA? If SF's parks could be compared to children in a huge family, SFA is one of the youngest and therefore gets nothing but the older ones' hand-me-downs (when it gets anything at all!). And they aren't very good hand-me-downs at that! And worse, the "older child" that provides the hand-me-downs seems to be getting some very nice stuff!

I guess SFA must wonder whey they don't get much support from their local coaster and park enthusiasts (heck, I know there have even been at least a couple of ACE events there that got cancelled due to lack of interest).

Another year, another let down (if this rumor is true). I guess SFA will get a new coaster when Knoebels opens Flying Turns.

I heard the same thing. Why people don't start boycotting that park is beyond me. That's SO unfair!

And looks like Flying Turns is opening soon so there goes that.

Shoot me an e-mail and let me know if you decide to go to the Riding of the Bull - Me. Mike G, Jon and possibly Dion will be there!

Updated today with the limited info about Great America's new coaster. Will be updated again tomorrow with Dollywood's announcement.

Six Flags America is likely to get Cajun next year, and I'm not talking about a new food establishment.

I've given up hope on them getting a new new coaster. As much as I'd like to see it, when I go, it's to renew my Six Flags season pass, and ride Superman and Wild One.

The locals seem to be supporting the park just fine without the addition of a costly new coaster. From a business standpoint, I can see why Six Flags corporate doesn't add anything new. New flats, yes. New coasters, no.

I would expect to see Six Flags America continue to get hand-me-downs, in terms of coasters. I would like to see a really good one come one of these years. Perhaps something like Scream! from Magic Mountain...

I honestly think that what keeps SFA going (profit-wise) is the water park. What few times I've been there in the summer (when the water park is open) it's been packed, and it was like this even before this officially became a Six Flags park. It's rather like a restaurant with a really busy bar - the food doesn't have to be very good because most people come to drink at the bar.

SFA could, Geagua Lake-style, kill the dry park completely and the water park alone would survive quite nicely by itself IMO. The locals seem to like the waterpark best and us coaster fans get forgotten about.

Oh well, I've come to grips with the fact that my home park is one that I will only visit once every few years (and to get a season pass if I want a SF pass), and just plan on hitting the other three parks (HP, Great Adventure, KD) regularly that are day trip close to me.

And yes, it does look like Flying Turns will indeed open before SFA gets a new coaster. Come to think of it, I think it's more like the IRS will be abolished before SFA will ever get a NEW coaster!

Gee, no wonder I am always telling people I meet that HP or KD is my home park....

I think it just has to do with the demographics of the area. I go quite frequently and the park is 99% locals who are happy to have something near by.

When you're the only real amusement park (sorry Adventure USA) in the state and Hersheypark/Kings Dominion are both two hours each direction, people who don't want to drive the distance will settle for second best.

SFA's problem is that years of misguidance by management has stripped the park of what made it halfway decent. Flats were taken out and never replaced. We don't even have a Ferris wheel for gods sake.

Not all is loss though -- things have been getting better and they are trying. Apocalypse is terrible, most people know that. But they did a decent job themeing it, even if the theming is completely overlooked because there is never a line deeper than fifteen minutes for it.

In my opinion, Six Flags has survived because of three things, one of which most have nailed on the head:

- The waterpark brings in lots of money -- even with everyone buying season passes, the waterpark attracts new clientele each season. Bonzai Pipelines wasn't even finished on time, yet people still clamored to it until opening day. There are faithfuls who will live and die by that waterpark.

- The park's PR does a good job with traditional media -- if you live in Maryland, you will hear the park blast out one of the following three messages quite frequently: "Soar 20 stories high on Superman", "Cool down in the world's largest wave pool", and "Some nonsense statement about Apocalypse and/or Bonzai Pipelines". We know the first two are exaggerations but it works. When you have a crowd primarily made up of the GP and very few enthusiasts, no one is going to question it. If Apocalypse wasn't themed the way it was, do you think it would have done as well? No one wants to look at a basic stand-up coaster in rusted looking colors -- sorry Iron Wolf.

- The park uses it's location to an advantage. Being in the heart of PG county, many lower class families have utilized the park's cheap season pass prices to capitalize on being able to take their families to an amusement park and feel like they have gotten their money's worth. No where else have I been where you can consistently walk onto coasters and/or water rides. SFA cashes in big on this which brings it full circle to point number one.

If the corporate side of Six Flags were to give up the property, I think it could survive just fine. The problem would be finding some investors who would be willing to invest in a park that would in essence then revert back to it's Wild World days.

At the end of the day, Drachen is right -- we will continue getting hand me downs until we can get enough exposure to put our new 200 foot restriction lift to good use.

I have high hopes for 2015 and beyond. I've always appreciated underdog stories and I wouldn't be surprised if SFA surprises us all with something big in years to come.

I dunno, FireChaser Express sounds like an unique family coaster (first dual launch family coaster) that many people are gonna want to experience, not exactly Sideshow Spin (Dollywood's kiddie coaster) I know that I would wanna check it out.

1. I still don't quite get how it's going to connect to the tower -- I mean I get it but then I don't. I'm assuming a lot will have to be done to it since the tower isn't a straight line up.

2. Are they going for the record for tallest height/drop? The drop on towers are always set lower than the height and since the drop on Lex Luthor is 400 ft, I'm assuming they don't have to go far on KK to beat it. The structure of Kingda Ka sits at 456 ft and the drop is 418ft. Taking account the gondola height and space needed at the top, I take it will probably clock in around the same drop height as the coaster drop. That is unless the new structure allows the gondolas to sit even higher.

This is just really bizarre, if indeed they are going to put some kind of drop tower on the back of KK. I had seen on other coaster forums where people were talking about such a thing being done and I figured they were just more nutty ideas that people on coaster forums come up with sometimes.

If this park wants to have a drop tower, I don't see why they wouldn't just build one from scratch. An S&S tower or something like that. I know they put one on the back of Superman at SFMM, but that's an entirely different kind of structure than KK (and it looks much better able to handle having something like that added to it without much extra support). Also seems like it will really mar the look of KK if this is what they are going to do (I couldn't imagine a drop tower attached to TTD - that would totally ruin the look of it).

1. I still don't quite get how it's going to connect to the tower -- I mean I get it but then I don't. I'm assuming a lot will have to be done to it since the tower isn't a straight line up.

I think it's really going to be a free stsnding structure that appears to be connected to KK's supports. Those supports could never be strong enough for a 3 sided drop tower (the rumor). Either that or they will have to seriously reinforce them before building.

2. Are they going for the record for tallest height/drop? The drop on towers are always set lower than the height and since the drop on Lex Luthor is 400 ft, I'm assuming they don't have to go far on KK to beat it. The structure of Kingda Ka sits at 456 ft and the drop is 418ft. Taking account the gondola height and space needed at the top, I take it will probably clock in around the same drop height as the coaster drop. That is unless the new structure allows the gondolas to sit even higher.

This is just really bizarre, if indeed they are going to put some kind of drop tower on the back of KK. I had seen on other coaster forums where people were talking about such a thing being done and I figured they were just more nutty ideas that people on coaster forums come up with sometimes.

If this park wants to have a drop tower, I don't see why they wouldn't just build one from scratch. An S&S tower or something like that. I know they put one on the back of Superman at SFMM, but that's an entirely different kind of structure than KK (and it looks much better able to handle having something like that added to it without much extra support). Also seems like it will really mar the look of KK if this is what they are going to do (I couldn't imagine a drop tower attached to TTD - that would totally ruin the look of it).

The Chicago tribune posted that the mayor of the town sfga is in confirmed a wooden coaster and hints point towards a speed record. On the other hand I can't wait to see whats goin on with kingda ka. But still am hoping for something nice at sfne since its my home park! The 29th is only three days out.

SFA needs new flat rides really bad, so getting a flying scooters is good news. Also interesting that these flats seem to be making a comeback in parks lately (CP is also getting one), especially since they had become rather rare.

Speaking of flats, no idea what became of the rumored starflyer at SFA - seems that lifting the height restriction has been a bit of a pointless teaser in that regard. Unless of course they just haven't announced that yet. What they have announced already isn't going to cost them much at all (compared to a park that is building a new coaster or installing a large brand new flat), since the already own Rajun Cajun, so that could still be a possibility.

I posted over on SFAFans that it would make sense for them to put the StarFlyer where the current Tower of Doom is.

If the leaked photos are correct and the new Mardi Gras theme does indeed replace the deteriorating Southwest Territory, then they could put the StarFlyer in for 2015 as a part of a two year investment for that side of the park.

With everything they've taken out over there and the decrepit looking TF station, all the TLC they can give it would be a very nice welcome.

On the flip side, if they don't put this Mardi Gras theme into that area, they could still utilize the new SkyFlyer as a reason to fix up that area in 2015.

Either way, it would be a nice, enticing view for the GP when entering the parking area, as well as a gorgeous vantage point from inside the park. Right now, when pulling into the parking area, all you can see is Superman and the aging Tower of Doom (which I think they should either remove, refurbish or move to another place in the park).

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Looks like they are indeed replacing Southwest Territory with Mardi Gras.

I might be one of the few fans of SFA on this forum but you have no idea how much this brings new life to that side of the park. THANK GOD. If I had to stare at TF's overgrown station another season. It was starting to take over the GoKarts...

They were also crafty and were able to retheme most of the rides, except there is no mention of how they are going to fit Wild One into the new theme.

"The existing rides in the section will get a purple, gold and green makeover and, to stick with the Mardi Gras theme, new names:

I suppose the video for zumanjaro drop of doom confirms it. Tallest drop tower ride but what I noticed was the lack of rolling thunder, where only el Toro was visible! Looks like 2014 is going to be a big year for six flags!!

I suppose the video for zumanjaro drop of doom confirms it. Tallest drop tower ride but what I noticed was the lack of rolling thunder, where only el Toro was visible! Looks like 2014 is going to be a big year for six flags!!

I think it's totally lame that Magic Mountain keeps adding kiddie coasters just to keep their record away from Cedar Point. Didn't they get the memo that Cedar Point doesn't care anymore. What park needs FOUR kiddie coasters?

Lame award goes to Six Flags Over Texas. But I guess they have their hands full at the moment.

I'm not happy either about the removal of Rolling Thunder. Couldn't they have just added a new entrance next to Kingda Ka's entrance and built a path to the ride?

If Jumanjaro was also including a possible expansion of the Golden Kingdom with the addition of at least one or two flat rides and a food outlet I may not be as disappointed but either way it really sucks that RT has to go for just this.

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Congrats on the great news!

I've been to SFDK twice now. Overall, I feel like it's the best Six Flags park I've been to. Between the rides, the shows, and the animal exhibits, the park has a lot to offer anyone.

For reference's sake, I've been to every Six Flags park except Georgia, and the two in Texas. And I realize that SFOT and SFOG are widely regarded as the two best...

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Congrats on the great news!

It was definitely not expected at all! We pretty much think of SFDK as a year round park with Holiday In The Park open till the first week of January, but now that it's expanded to all weekends during the whole month of Jan & Feb, I am one happy camper.
Though I know we'll see how the weather goes as they do shut down during inclement weather. Looking forward to drizzly Superman rides! :)

I've been to SFDK twice now. Overall, I feel like it's the best Six Flags park I've been to. Between the rides, the shows, and the animal exhibits, the park has a lot to offer anyone.

For reference's sake, I've been to every Six Flags park except Georgia, and the two in Texas. And I realize that SFOT and SFOG are widely regarded as the two best...

Though I've only been to two SF parks, SFMM & my home park SFDK, I can totally vouch for that. The consensus is that SFDK is the least "Six Flags" of the entire chain, meaning the overall feel. Of course there are the obsessive ad wraps and blasting TV queues which are a SF staple. But even the logo isn't dominated by "SIX FLAGS!" on it in giant font compared to the actual park name itself. :)

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Congrats on the great news!

It was definitely not expected at all! We pretty much think of SFDK as a year round park with Holiday In The Park open till the first week of January, but now that it's expanded to all weekends during the whole month of Jan & Feb, I am one happy camper.
Though I know we'll see how the weather goes as they do shut down during inclement weather. Looking forward to drizzly Superman rides! :)

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Congrats on the great news!

It was definitely not expected at all! We pretty much think of SFDK as a year round park with Holiday In The Park open till the first week of January, but now that it's expanded to all weekends during the whole month of Jan & Feb, I am one happy camper.
Though I know we'll see how the weather goes as they do shut down during inclement weather. Looking forward to drizzly Superman rides! :)

I'm getting an early Xmas present with SFDK officially open year round including all weekends in January & February, so no more off season for me in NorCal! Oh yeah, and the new Tsunami Soaker ain't too shabby either! :)

Wow! To me, this is the most exciting announcement of the bunch. I really enjoyed SFDK and if I had that park near me and learned that it was going to be open year-round I'd be very, very happy right now. Was this at all expected or hinted?

Congrats on the great news!

It was definitely not expected at all! We pretty much think of SFDK as a year round park with Holiday In The Park open till the first week of January, but now that it's expanded to all weekends during the whole month of Jan & Feb, I am one happy camper.
Though I know we'll see how the weather goes as they do shut down during inclement weather. Looking forward to drizzly Superman rides! :)

These new coasters are confusing me...lol...I don't really know if any of these RMC coasters should be considered wood coasters?? I was hoping that Gravity Group would have been hired to design a true wooden coaster. So what makes Outlaw Run a wood coaster and what makes Iron Rattler steel?? I have somewhat of an idea but it is still confusing. I think there will need to be a new category of coaster soon. I don't think you can put these coasters on a wood or steel rankings list.

These new coasters are confusing me...lol...I don't really know if any of these RMC coasters should be considered wood coasters?? I was hoping that Gravity Group would have been hired to design a true wooden coaster. So what makes Outlaw Run a wood coaster and what makes Iron Rattler steel?? I have somewhat of an idea but it is still confusing. I think there will need to be a new category of coaster soon. I don't think you can put these coasters on a wood or steel rankings list.

Basically it's all in the track. Goliath is like Outlaw run as it is going to have steel topper track on top of wood so it's still considered "wood". Medusa at SFM will be like New Texas Giant as the track is iron box track, which is all steel.

Thanks for those up close shots for comparison. After seeing the pics, I don't see how they can call any of these coasters wood coasters. What does everyone on here think??? This topper steel gives the coasters such a smooth ride that it does not feel like a wooden coaster at all.

Thanks for those up close shots for comparison. After seeing the pics, I don't see how they can call any of these coasters wood coasters. What does everyone on here think??? This topper steel gives the coasters such a smooth ride that it does not feel like a wooden coaster at all.

The track on woodies is the layers of laminated wood that goes around the entire circuit. That's what makes the ride a woodie, not what sits on top of that, nor the supporting structure.

We've all seen coasters being built where the wood running the circuit is not made of the 7-8 layers of wood, but there is still something attached on top where the train's wheels run. That's still a woodie, IMO (El Toro). When you run trains with non-steel wheels it changes the dynamic of the ride (literally, the feel of it). So therein lies the "hybrid" label applied to such rides (El Toro again).

Canada's Wonderland announced their new "interactive 4-D" dark ride this morning called Wonder Mountain's Guardian. Not much in the way of pictures or anything, but the link is posted below.

I really like this decision. Canada's Wonderland has 15 coasters and one of the best collections of flats. This dark ride is what they needed. I hope that they don't mess with Thunder Run and the dark ride is state of the art. I'll find out next year when we visit CW again.

It's hard to believe any park is putting in a dark ride (assuming this a "traditional" dark ride and not a shooting ride, which is still a type of dark ride but not in the traditional old-fashioned sense) these days, since they seem to be only disappearing and not being replaced. Hopefully they will make a comeback.

As for the steel/wood woodie thing, to me if a coaster has the general appearance of a woodie, then I would consider it to be a woodie. Even though Voyage is composed mostly of steel structure, I would consider it to be a woodie. Even in that regard Gemini would be a woodie, even though it has ordinary Arrow track nestled in where wood coaster track should be. Though of course some might argue that because it is all tubular track it must be a steel coaster.

The way it rides of course is a whole different ballgame - but to me personally that is secondary to the appearance of the ride.

What do yall think about the new Goliath(SFGAm) layout? I hate the name for obvious reasons, but love the layout, it looks sick! Like Outlaw Run, it looks kinda short, but hella intense. I definitely gotta make it out there next year!

I think Goliath has an amazing layout. I read that Outlaw Run seems like a short ride when you watch it on video, but when you experience these Rocky Mt. coasters it is so exciting that you are left very pleased. I think the 3 big RMC look outstanding, and Goliath looks like it may be even better. So excited to go next year, only 3 hours away from park.

What I'm about to share with you could either be a heap of BS or the best news I've gotten this week; either way, I'm posting it here in the hopes that other enthusiasts will be able to do more in-depth research on this than I can at the moment.

Anyway, a few friends and I went to my home park Six Flags America a few weeks ago, and I had a pretty long chat with a friend of mine who works at the park. In the past the information he's given me has been pretty accurate, so I feel like he's at least a reliable source...anyway, here are some of the things he told me.
-The park is opening a new themed area, Mardi Gras (we all know that now) with the addition of the Ragin' Cajun spinning Wild Mouse coaster from SFGAm. He also told me that either in 2014 or 2015 the park will open a subsection of Mardi Gras called Voodoo Village that will be pretty well themed (fire effects, huts, other Voodoo-ish stuff), and that in addition to Ragin' Cajun, either of the following are currently being planned
1. The park would buy the old Zydeco Scream Boomerang coaster from the city of New Orleans and relocate/retheme it. He said this wasn't very likely as compared to option 2,
2. Wild One will be given the Rocky Mountain treatment. Apparently someone already drew up concept art for it, and from what my friend described it sounds like Wild One would be re-themed and renamed Zombi (after a Voodoo symbol, or something like that), and contain at lease three inversions (a barrel roll in the middle of the first drop, a zero-g roll over the entrance to Gotham City, and another zero-g roll over the plaza by the ride's station) along with an overbanked turnaround and a tunnel.

I would not like that at all!! This is a classic wooden coaster that does not need any kind of rocky mountain treatment. That would ruin the charm and greatness that this coaster already has. Leave the Rocky Mountain treatment for coasters that really need it like The Boss out in St.Louis.

These should be the five best new coasters next year:
1. Goliath - A very overused name. I still haven't ridden one by Rocky Mountain Construction, but watching videos is making me crazy for theirs.
2. Banshee - I haven't ridden a brand new B&M invert in a while; this one is BIG.
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - Disney theming; the swinning trains should be fun.
4. FireChaser Express - Great theming; lauches usually make rides more interesting.
5. Flying Turns - This doesn't look like much, but there are not too many working bobsleds around.

5. Flying Turns - This doesn't look like much, but there are not too many working bobsleds around.

I've said this earlier, if there's gonna be any good action on that thing at all, it will definitely be after the second lift. IMO that first lift hill & right turn chute after just to meet the second lift is very unresourceful, and pointless; I'm still baffled with that first part of FT.

Hopefully the 2nd lift hill downgrade will provide some good unique side to side swinging action through those tight transitioning turns.

2. Wild One will be given the Rocky Mountain treatment. Apparently someone already drew up concept art for it, and from what my friend described it sounds like Wild One would be re-themed and renamed Zombi (after a Voodoo symbol, or something like that), and contain at lease three inversions (a barrel roll in the middle of the first drop, a zero-g roll over the entrance to Gotham City, and another zero-g roll over the plaza by the ride's station) along with an overbanked turnaround and a tunnel.

That's all I got. DIG IN!

When I first woke up, I read this post and read that as Roar in my mind and I was like FINALLY. Then I reread it and saw it said Wild One and I was like that's not cool.

While it sounds beyond neat (a barrel roll IN THE MIDDLE? of the first drop), I don't want to see a classic ruined.

The reality of the matter, however, is that SFA has very little enthusiasts and most of the GP does not care if the ride is almost 100 years old. They do not hold a sentimental attachment to it like we do.

If they did RMC it could be an amazing move for marketing and getting SFA back on the map, even if the enthusiast community will be dying from the inside out.

2. Wild One will be given the Rocky Mountain treatment. Apparently someone already drew up concept art for it, and from what my friend described it sounds like Wild One would be re-themed and renamed Zombi (after a Voodoo symbol, or something like that), and contain at lease three inversions (a barrel roll in the middle of the first drop, a zero-g roll over the entrance to Gotham City, and another zero-g roll over the plaza by the ride's station) along with an overbanked turnaround and a tunnel.

I cannot believe that anyone thinks this even has a remote chance of happening. I didn't respond to the original post because it is absolutely ridiculous. This is describing a B&M invert - not an RMC woodie. It would be cheaper to build an entirely new coaster than try to create this from a 100 year old woodie that actually rides pretty nice to begin with. Not a snowballs chance in hell of Wild One being converted to this.

Nonetheless, it would be the biggest waste in the history of theme parks. I thought the Iron Horse treatment was supposed to revitalize rough, unrideable wooden coasters?

Wild One is neither, not by a longshot.

Paul

We're not talking removing the coaster for another one - they are saying converting the original structure to a completely different wooden coaster with inversions. Could they remove it and build something else? Sure. Could they simply give it a steel track and taller hills? Sure. Would they use the existing track to create what was proposed with 3 inversions? No. And yes - I'm saying NEVER happening the way it was written.

Nonetheless, it would be the biggest waste in the history of theme parks. I thought the Iron Horse treatment was supposed to revitalize rough, unrideable wooden coasters?

Wild One is neither, not by a longshot.

Paul

We're not talking removing the coaster for another one - they are saying converting the original structure to a completely different wooden coaster with inversions. Could they remove it and build something else? Sure. Could they simply give it a steel track and taller hills? Sure. Would they use the existing track to create what was proposed with 3 inversions? No. And yes - I'm saying NEVER happening the way it was written.

Jen

True, not the same exact same situation, but these were all "crazy" rumors when they were first proposed. I don't think the layout is that crazy. Isn't that EXACTLY what Six Flags has been doing with NTG, IR, and Medusa Mexico?

I don't believe that Wild One is the coaster to do this to. There is nothing "wrong" with the ride that would require such a drastic makeover. If SFA was actually going to get the go ahead from corporate to get an RMC, it would be better off with an original one or making over Roar (I wonder if GCI has any say in them touching one of their creations? They would probably have to bulldoze it and build a new one there.)

These should be the five best new coasters next year:
1. Goliath - A very overused name. I still haven't ridden one by Rocky Mountain Construction, but watching videos is making me crazy for theirs.
2. Banshee - I haven't ridden a brand new B&M invert in a while; this one is BIG.
3. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train - Disney theming; the swinning trains should be fun.
4. FireChaser Express - Great theming; lauches usually make rides more interesting.
5. Flying Turns - This doesn't look like much, but there are not too many working bobsleds around.

I've been waiting for Flying Turns to open for 7 years now. I think we going to go to Knoebels next year regardless.

We were just at Dollywood this year. A family coaster is not enough motivation to revisit next year.

We may do a Florida trip in 2015 or 2016. The cost of admission to the Florida parks have kept me away since 2001. I look for the new Disney coaster to be nicely themed, but I'll be surprised if It's thrilling.

I'm a regular at Kings Island, so Banshee will be a coaster to add. Really excited about a new B&M invert being added to the park. Banshee may take my favorite invert spot away from Montu. I'll have to ride it first.

Goliath at Six Flags Great America is my most anticipated coaster so far of the 2014 announcements. It just looks incredible. Hoping to ride Outlaw Run in about 3 1/2 weeks. I'll have an idea what to expect. I have mixed feelings about this new technology with wooden coasters, but for the most part, I'm all for it. Goliath looks to be a top 5 coaster. Can't wait to ride it.

I'm still waiting to hear more about the GCI woodie at Morey's. I never been there, but will visit when they finally build that coaster.

Still waiting to hear more about Lake Monster at Darien Lake. So far nothing has been officially announced, so as of now, it seems to be a rumor. Even If they do build Lake Monster, I'll have to learn more, before planning another visit to Darien Lake.

I've been waiting for Flying Turns to open for 7 years now. I think we going to go to Knoebels next year regardless.

We were just at Dollywood this year. A family coaster is not enough motivation to revisit next year.

We may do a Florida trip in 2015 or 2016. The cost of admission to the Florida parks have kept me away since 2001. I look for the new Disney coaster to be nicely themed, but I'll be surprised if It's thrilling.

I'm a regular at Kings Island, so Banshee will be a coaster to add. Really excited about a new B&M invert being added to the park. Banshee may take my favorite invert spot away from Montu. I'll have to ride it first.

Goliath at Six Flags Great America is my most anticipated coaster so far of the 2014 announcements. It just looks incredible. Hoping to ride Outlaw Run in about 3 1/2 weeks. I'll have an idea what to expect. I have mixed feelings about this new technology with wooden coasters, but for the most part, I'm all for it. Goliath looks to be a top 5 coaster. Can't wait to ride it.

I'm still waiting to hear more about the GCI woodie at Morey's. I never been there, but will visit when they finally build that coaster.

Still waiting to hear more about Lake Monster at Darien Lake. So far nothing has been officially announced, so as of now, it seems to be a rumor. Even If they do build Lake Monster, I'll have to learn more, before planning another visit to Darien Lake.

I was just at Knoebels last year. It was a great park, but something better than this "new" ride will have to be there before I go back this early.

Dollywood was also visited in 2012, but is something to do on the way back from visiting my family in Ohio. Thunderhead and a new ride together may make it worth a stop.

Disney does not normally equal thrilling but the WDW parks are only 40 minutes away. (Someone little always wants to go.)

I am overdue for an Ohio trip. I am trying to pair it with a return to Kentucky Kingdom. So Banshee and GateKeeper will have to wait just a little longer. (Holiday World and Beech Bend should be in there too.)

I too am still anticipating a Rocky Mountain Construction ride. I think that the one in Missouri will be first. From what I have heard, they are short and sweet. I am not thinking of them being a "top 5 coaster".

Morey's and Darien Lake have still not said anything on their sites about new coasters or anything being re-done.

So much to digest! I am against the removal of Rolling Thunder, but it's time. I feel like this year it's been pretty unsafe near the end.

Things change, we move on, and it's not like it's a fan favorite.

I just hope that Zumanjaro isn't a capacity nightmare, and I hope that THEY PAINT NITRO DAMMIT! If not this year, then leave it alone for all eternity and keep the rusted sign.

I have now visited SFGAm two years in a row, not sure I can justify another Chicago trip, but then again, I have NOT explored that city on foot yet and would love to during the spring time/opening time of the park. That park has a NICE collection of coasters. X-Flight is my favorite wing rider from the 3 I've ridden, and Raging Bull is a favorie, along with Eagle being a fun ride.

Even though they added only a kiddie...I think my eyes are set to the biggest place I haven't been yet, SFMM.

Just wanted to also say thanks to drachen for making/maintaining these threads for the past few years. It's kinda my favorite part of the forum! haha.

Also, can't believe the naming atrocities that happen with Six Flags. Golitah? Medusa??? REALLY? Both rides look awesome though, and if they are anything like Iron Rattler, sign. me. up!

Well, Holiday World has announced what's new for 2014, http://www.holidayworld.com/news/holiday-world-sets-sail-8-million-expansion. I'm a little disappointed. I thought they would really try something big since King's Island is getting The Banshee. But maybe there is more to come. In their original post they said at the bottom "Happy Mayflower Day" but Mayflower Day isn't until the 16th. And they said that they wouldn't say what day they would announce what's new because the date itself would give away what was planned. So do you think they will announce something else then?

Why would anyone build a new one of these after all the problems they've had? Adventureland isn't exactly a great amusement park but it's the only one in that area and seriously needs a new modern coaster or a fix for one of their old ones (they area all either painful or horribly rough). When I lived there and was in desperate need of roller coasters I only went there once in 4 years and it was about 30 min away. That says it all.

So ironic that this came out of the blue today because I was just trying to decide which parks to hit up next year when I get out to Silver Dollar City to check out Outlaw Run. I was curious about this park and was wondering if anyone on this thread has been there. So Jen.....you lived out there?

For some reason, and it probably isnt true, but I feel like there is more to the announcement from Holiday World today. First of all, they promised HUGE expansions the next three years. Dont get me wrong, I think the new Chance ship Mayflower is cool but its not large. On theme park review their pr Paula Werne said that Mayflower makes up only a little of the 8 million dollar budget, and the parking lot paving being a lot. Also, she said everywhere that they couldnt release the date of announcement because it is too much of a hint. Well why would they pick today, because I didnt even know today was when they began to sail on the mayflower, when september 16 is Mayflowere day. Also they started holihints yesterday only to end today. Another weird thing is that the picture doesnt match up with where it is supposed to be, and they didnt release the pic of the map where it is. Ik this doesnt seem too important but to me its odd. I guess im just hoping for more:/ Personally I think if they did a small ride announcment and then a bigger one later it will get them twice as much publicity. Even though it prob wont happen, I can see it on sept 13(friday the 13) or sept 16(mayflower day). Now ik the lawsuit is happening but i still feel this wouldnt affect the decision. Comment what you all think.

So ironic that this came out of the blue today because I was just trying to decide which parks to hit up next year when I get out to Silver Dollar City to check out Outlaw Run. I was curious about this park and was wondering if anyone on this thread has been there. So Jen.....you lived out there?

I went to vet school at Iowa State for 4 years which is about 20-30 minutes from Altoona. It's NOT a destination park but if it's on the way may be worth a quick visit. It is directly off route 80 of you're taking that route. You can easily do everything in a few hours. I'll post the pics I have at some point - I don't think I took too many. If I remember correctly my batteries died. It's a very nice park look-wise. Has an old country feel to it but it's coasters are not the best. I think I still have a concussion from that horrible Dragon thing that makes Anaconda seem like a B&M! :-)

Isn't Worlds of Fun about 3-4 hours from Des Moines? I wonder what Adventureland thought when they found out WoF was getting one.

With the focus being on the Adventure Bay water park maybe the addition of Storm Chaser will be the start of exciting new rides coming to Adventureland.

Even though I haven't been there this park is one that has me very intrigued.

G-Dog

Good point - WOF is only about 2 1/2 away from there (Valley Fair is about 3 1/2 hrs in the other direction) but they still need something better than that IMO. That wouldn't get me back to that park if I still lived there.

I did some research and found that the park gets some really good reviews. I read that the staff is very friendly and it is a charming old school mom and pop kind of park. The Outlaw is suppose to be a very good CCI woodie that runs like a GCI. I guess that means it is smoother than most CCI'S...lol. They also have a cool indoor woodie called The Underground??

I did some research and found that the park gets some really good reviews. I read that the staff is very friendly and it is a charming old school mom and pop kind of park. The Outlaw is suppose to be a very good CCI woodie that runs like a GCI. I guess that means it is smoother than most CCI'S...lol. They also have a cool indoor woodie called The Underground??

The underground is not really an indoor coaster - it's more like a boardwalk ride - I don't think it went over 5 mph. I found it hard to breath in there - very musty/stuffy with no a/c. Very outdated but is kind of classic in a way. Outlaw is very rough but you like those. It is FAR worse than Ghost Rider. I hated it. I think Tornado was tolerable if I remember correctly but still just OK. The rest of the park is very mom/pop (I said it was "quaint" before and that's what I meant). It's a very nice environment with crappy coasters except for a few decent flats. Like I said stop in if you're passing by but don't take a day out of your life for it when you could be at a better park. You can easily ride everything within 3 hours or so.

The Charlotte Observer has reported that Carowinds has been granted permission to build a 300ft. tall rollercoaster. I don't know if this is for 2014 or 2015. I don't know how to post links. The article doesn't give a manufacturer or any other information. Has anyone read anything about this?

The Charlotte Observer has reported that Carowinds has been granted permission to build a 300ft. tall rollercoaster. I don't know if this is for 2014 or 2015. I don't know how to post links. The article doesn't give a manufacturer or any other information. Has anyone read anything about this?

Since Carowinds has already made their announcement, I will assume that the 300 foot, $30 million ride will be for 2015.

Two tall coasters in one park (hyper and giga if you will) that basically does the same thing continues to be all of the rage now. I hope that doesn't happen with Carowinds getting a 300 foot giga. Intimidator is already great at what it does, no need for the obligatory 'taller & speedier' compliment. With all of these unique coaster types (Wing Rider, Dive Machine, 4D, Eurofighter, Launched coaster etc) that Carowinds doesn't have....Hell, how bout a decent thrilling woodie? The last thing that they need is more of the same...

Exactly. To me there's not too much difference between 230 ft or 300 ft drops, or the speed differences 75MPH, or 90MPH. They're both are very lofty, airtimey, and hauling azz, I get it. Just like 96 degree sunny weather or 103 degrees, all that I know is that both are damn hot. :)

I really hope we get a good coaster not a GCI and yes I know it would be a perfect fit but Six Flags hasn't taken park in the whole GCI thing. And the fact that morey's pier might be getting will put to much pressure on Great Adventure I hoping for a Euro/4D B&M but if we get a RMC I will be mad if it's wooden RMC !

Putting an RMC wood coaster would be redundant when you already have the world's top wooden coaster in El Toro (which I have yet to ride). The only thing RMC coasters do is go upside down.

But what do I know. Stranger things have happened like having a B&M hyper and a B&M giga in the same park. I'm going to keep a close watch on Carowinds for 2015.

Surprisingly the X-Flight clones haven't popped up as quickly as the Batmen did. I don't see Magic Mountain getting one since they already have X2 (again stranger things have happened) but definitely can see a wing coaster at Georgia, Texas, and Great Adventure.

How could Great Adventure have a clone of Iron Rattler?? We don't have that coaster in the first place to have the RMC treatment done to it. Now with that said, we could have an Outlaw Run clone or Goliath clone from RMC.

Seems weird how Six Flags would do that video showing ALL the stuff for next year and not something like this for Great Adventure...or are we talking 2015?

The new coaster rumor is for 2015 and the rumor I heard was a 4th dimension or wing coaster back by Movie Town/Old Country.

Don't know where all this RMC talk is coming from. The rumor for the old RT area (which is still completely intact by the way and I'm a little pissed they closed it so early if they weren't tearing it down yet) is a bunch of flats and perhaps a family coaster at some point.

Seems weird how Six Flags would do that video showing ALL the stuff for next year and not something like this for Great Adventure...or are we talking 2015?

The new coaster rumor is for 2015 and the rumor I heard was a 4th dimension or wing coaster back by Movie Town/Old Country.

Don't know where all this RMC talk is coming from. The rumor for the old RT area (which is still completely intact by the way and I'm a little pissed they closed it so early if they weren't tearing it down yet) is a bunch of flats and perhaps a family coaster at some point.

Jen

Ahhhhh crap. See I knew we were talking about 2015, but I was HOPING Iw as mistaken haha.

And yeah yeah, I know there can't be a clone of IR in the traditional sense. I meant like, very similar to it if you will, which yeah yeah, that's not techinically a clone.

I wouldn't mind a clone of Goliath either, as that is pretty far from NJ, still, it'd kinda suck because I WANT to go back to SFGA, and having a clone here would make me inclined to skip on that park for years to come.

Jen, are we talking 4th dimension like Green Lantern at SFMM? or X2 at SFMM? I would much rather an X2 4th dimension, or a Diving Coaster, over a Wing Rider. Not to say they are bad rides, but we need something BETTER than green lantern/batman/medusa. We don't need anymore good coasters, WE NEED GREAT! haha

The SFGAdv fan in me is stokedddd on seeing any area brought back to life. Or if a new area was made where RT is. I'm more for the latter, it leads people away from my baby Nitro!

Seems weird how Six Flags would do that video showing ALL the stuff for next year and not something like this for Great Adventure...or are we talking 2015?

The new coaster rumor is for 2015 and the rumor I heard was a 4th dimension or wing coaster back by Movie Town/Old Country.

Don't know where all this RMC talk is coming from. The rumor for the old RT area (which is still completely intact by the way and I'm a little pissed they closed it so early if they weren't tearing it down yet) is a bunch of flats and perhaps a family coaster at some point.

Jen

Ahhhhh crap. See I knew we were talking about 2015, but I was HOPING Iw as mistaken haha.

And yeah yeah, I know there can't be a clone of IR in the traditional sense. I meant like, very similar to it if you will, which yeah yeah, that's not techinically a clone.

I wouldn't mind a clone of Goliath either, as that is pretty far from NJ, still, it'd kinda suck because I WANT to go back to SFGA, and having a clone here would make me inclined to skip on that park for years to come.

Jen, are we talking 4th dimension like Green Lantern at SFMM? or X2 at SFMM? I would much rather an X2 4th dimension, or a Diving Coaster, over a Wing Rider. Not to say they are bad rides, but we need something BETTER than green lantern/batman/medusa. We don't need anymore good coasters, WE NEED GREAT! haha

The SFGAdv fan in me is stokedddd on seeing any area brought back to life. Or if a new area was made where RT is. I'm more for the latter, it leads people away from my baby Nitro!

We are talking about a X2 at SFMM now with that sad Arrow Dynamics wouldn't build it B&M would. I hope they do get or else they would just be shy of the 4D :(

Does S&S Worldwide even still provide 4th dimension coasters? Their website shows it as a product available, but I remember reading somewhere they were only providing maintenance and parts after they acquired Arrow.

It also looks like they are still providing air-launched coasters. I thought they retired the Thrust Air 2000 (their first air-launched coaster model) after they built Dodonpa.

I really hope some US park purchases a model like Dodonpa in 2015. Hypersonic XLC had one of the smoothest launches and still ranks up there with Dodonpa as the fastest in acceleration. I know SDC has Powder Keg, but think how awesome it would be if S&S came back swinging hard and knocked Intamin off it's 'we have the world record for fastest launches' mentality. :)

Rumors are still floating around that B&M is still working on that 4D coaster, which may be a modified Wing Coaster.

The supervisor who was on our tour of Nitro and B:TR noted that SFGAdv. is a B&M park as they have gravitated toward them for many of their rides. He was pretty knowledgeable of the park's history and strongly hinted at a possible B&M in the future since history tends to repeat itself.

He also noted that after Chiller, they'll probably never get another Premier again. LOL.

Seems weird how Six Flags would do that video showing ALL the stuff for next year and not something like this for Great Adventure...or are we talking 2015?

The new coaster rumor is for 2015 and the rumor I heard was a 4th dimension or wing coaster back by Movie Town/Old Country.

Don't know where all this RMC talk is coming from. The rumor for the old RT area (which is still completely intact by the way and I'm a little pissed they closed it so early if they weren't tearing it down yet) is a bunch of flats and perhaps a family coaster at some point.

Jen

Ahhhhh crap. See I knew we were talking about 2015, but I was HOPING Iw as mistaken haha.

And yeah yeah, I know there can't be a clone of IR in the traditional sense. I meant like, very similar to it if you will, which yeah yeah, that's not techinically a clone.

I wouldn't mind a clone of Goliath either, as that is pretty far from NJ, still, it'd kinda suck because I WANT to go back to SFGA, and having a clone here would make me inclined to skip on that park for years to come.

Jen, are we talking 4th dimension like Green Lantern at SFMM? or X2 at SFMM? I would much rather an X2 4th dimension, or a Diving Coaster, over a Wing Rider. Not to say they are bad rides, but we need something BETTER than green lantern/batman/medusa. We don't need anymore good coasters, WE NEED GREAT! haha

The SFGAdv fan in me is stokedddd on seeing any area brought back to life. Or if a new area was made where RT is. I'm more for the latter, it leads people away from my baby Nitro!

It would be a B&M 4th dimension. There are none to compare it to since they have yet to build one but I would think closer to X2. Apparently they have the design down now. Should be better than an Arrow I would think.

I'm impressed. I was skeptical of the dual launch but this looks pretty fantastic for a family ride. I love small scale launched coasters like this. I was wondering how they were going to do the reverse launch with a midcourse lift (unexpected) but everything just seems to fit together nicely.

I do have one question: How can they ensure the first train is launched before the second train makes it back to the station. I'm assuming there is a break run there before the track changes, but the animation makes it seem like it'll be an overall smooth continuous operation which is probably farther from the truth.

I do have one question: How can they ensure the first train is launched before the second train makes it back to the station. I'm assuming there is a break run there before the track changes, but the animation makes it seem like it'll be an overall smooth continuous operation which is probably farther from the truth.

I agree. It looks absolutely fantastic.

It looks to me that the timing needs to be such that the second train can't crest the lift before the first train clears the switch.

There also has to be a second switch, somewhere near the station. I'll have to watch the video again to see if I can spot it.

I agree. They both sorta have a midtrack 'Black Forest' with Firechaser Express's being that 'backwards blast shed' (for lack of better term). Both have a bridge, sorta with FCE's being a tower-like structure. V-Bolt only nips FCE's track length by 400ft or so. Dollywood has their own Mini-Bolt. :)

*EDIT* Sorry, Corey. When I saw the post, I thought it was a reference to all the rumors before Banshee was officially announced. I just saw that the re-naming/re-theming of Flight Deck to the Bat is official.

* This post was modified at 10/29/13 7:57:43 PM *

The amusement park rises bold and stark
Kids are huddled on the beach in a mist...

I have been thinking. Was that dummy page they put up to fool the enthusiasts an actual picture of the layout of Flight Deck? It would have been neat if they were foreshadowing to this announcement while also using it as a decoy for Banshee.

Nice thought, but it was Gatekeeper. At least Kings Island got their money's worth out of it by using it to "prank" the enthusiast community as the Banshee announcement 1st.

Normally, I would be against a complete retheme of a 20 year old ride like this, but at least KI is actually getting a new coaster as well. As opposed to two North Eastern parks' "bizarre" decision to introduce an existing ride as their "new" attraction for the year.

Track is showing up at Lagoon. No word as to whether this is for 2014 or 2015.

Word is that it will be a significant addition. The track looks to be of the Intamin/Gerstlauer,Zierer make - likely the latter since the park seems to be pleased with Wicked, which was a Zierer install.

alpengeistno3 said: As opposed to two North Eastern parks' "bizarre" decision to introduce an existing ride as their "new" attraction for the year.

Paul

I see what you did there.

Hee, hee. Now you don't have to change your profile pic to a giraffe :)

Paul

Wait..what?

There's a riddle going around on FB and if you get it wrong you have to change your profile pic to a giraffe. I got it right, which is pretty funny since I have a gazillion pictures of giraffes from the safari and Africa! ;-)

Canada's Wonderland is gonna have 'Wonder Mountain's Guardian' inside the signature mountain for 2014. It's gonna be an interactive 4-D dark ride. According to newsplusnotes, it supposed to have 'coaster track'.

Canada's Wonderland is gonna have 'Wonder Mountain's Guardian' inside the signature mountain for 2014. It's gonna be an interactive 4-D dark ride. According to newsplusnotes, it supposed to have 'coaster track'.

It's not going to be an exact replica at Universal Studios Hollywood. I think the only attraction that is assured to be part of the expansion is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. What else they decide to build is kind of unknown at the moment.

Our big coaster trip of 2014 consists of Canobie Lake Park, Fun Town/ Splash Town, SF New England, The Great Escape, Quassy, Lake Compounce, and maybe LaRonde. Now Story Land is in the mix, due to their announcement.

Although this is the 2014 thread, apparently the rumors of Greezed Lightnin coming back to texas in 2015 may be true. Grand Texas has released a rendering of the park set to open in 2015. Greased Lighnin is on the parks map. So it looks like they purchased it from cliffs. Also supposed to be building a large wooden coaster. Cant wait for the details and rumors to start as to the manufacture.

Although this is the 2014 thread, apparently the rumors of Greezed Lightnin coming back to texas in 2015 may be true. Grand Texas has released a rendering of the park set to open in 2015. Greased Lighnin is on the parks map. So it looks like they purchased it from cliffs. Also supposed to be building a large wooden coaster. Cant wait for the details and rumors to start as to the manufacture.

From Cliff's, or possibly the one from SFKK? Can't remember if they took that one down in a way that it could be rebuilt or not.

I believe the one from KK was torn apart with torches and scrapped. Which was sad to see because it as a weight drop launch. I hope Grand Texas is getting the one from astroworld for sure, she as sat in storage long enough!

I believe the one from KK was torn apart with torches and scrapped. Which was sad to see because it as a weight drop launch. I hope Grand Texas is getting the one from astroworld for sure, she as sat in storage long enough!

I'm all for a thrilling tube ride, but if the parks haven't learned anything from this past summer about extreme drops with minimal restraint, then God bless them (and those that choose to ride something like that!)

They are doing some tweaks to Thunderbolt Reborn, the newsplusnotes link explains them. Also Luna Park is going remove 'Eclipse' the Midi Discovery, and replace it with another ride; During an IAAPA interview "A swinging and inverting good time" was mentioned concerning the new ride.

Speaking of new for 2014, has anyone heard any updates for Zumajaro and that area, I mean it'll really piss me off if they're going to use the space where rolling thunder was just for a path to the tower ride and a baboons area. Really c'mon any flats or anything besides another bathroom or snack booth ? Also anyone have information for the new American Dreams at the Meadowlands, NJ update.

Well at least they addressed you need a 2park pass to get from one park to another (keeping the parks separate). I just wonder if a person could still ride it round trip (not allowed off the train, assuming they check the tickets after people gets out). Oh well, very excited to see how the place looks and I'm not even a fan of the movies. They did a good job (except 'chasing dragons', the original entrance and frozen knights were much better) over at Islands of adventure.

I found some pretty interesting tidbits on Kings Dominion's Volcano: The Blast Coaster over at Wikipedia. I was looking up stuff about the park to find more information about what's coming up in 2014, and I found this.

Re-theme and renovations[edit]

Although there haven't been any official announcements by Cedar Fair or Kings Dominion, a fictional backstory for the ride was released on a few roller coaster enthusiast forms by an anonymous poster, as well as a description of a re-designed and heavily themed queue line and a dual-track station. The ride's new backstory fits in with the theme of Safari Village; a group of American businessmen decided to take a vacation in Africa, and during this time a few of them rented supplies and vehicles and attempted to steal an idol that was rumored to be kept deep within the local volcano, which the locals both feared and worshiped as the dwelling of their god. The volcano had existed peacefully for as long as the could remember, but when the intruders took the idol the volcano violently erupted and the explorers were killed. Their base camp still sits at the base of the volcano, and local legends say that the site is cursed; anyone who dares to set foot on the god Ahkutu's hallowed grounds will be seized by a terrible spirit and carried off into the volcano, where so many others have vanished.
The (alleged) themed queue will contain a segment where guests walk through the explorers' artifact tent, their camper van, and their shed before entering into a temple dedicated to the worship of the local deity, Ahkutu. At this point riders would board either of two trains (one on each side of the station; the guests would enter it from an area themed as an underground "secret chamber" within the temple).
For the 2014 season these changes are being facilitated by altering the current route of the entrance path and re-painting parts of the track and mountain; eventually the mountain may be rebuilt entirely so that, apart from the roll-out element, the entire ride takes place within the volcano. There have also been rumors as to the track layout being re-arranged to include more variations (more turns after the launches, a loop built around an elevated section of the queue line, and a section of drop track have all been mentioned on various enthusiast forums.) Additionally, some enthusiasts have mentioned the possibility of the coaster being converted from an LSM coaster to an Accelerator coaster, which would make it the first inverted roller coaster in the world to feature a hydraulic launch system.

Some of the stuff sounds really cool, but some of it sounds like the entire ride would have to be altered. For instance, the transition from an LSM catapult coaster to an Accelerator coaster. It would be cool to have the world's first Accelerator invert coaster, but since an upgrade like that wouldn't exactly be cheap I really can't see that happening unless the park really skimps on getting new rides, updating existing attractions and generally being cheap. But, as I say, overall this sounds pretty darn cool! At well-themed ride at Kings Dominion!

Some of the stuff sounds really cool, but some of it sounds like the entire ride would have to be altered. For instance, the transition from an LSM catapult coaster to an Accelerator coaster. It would be cool to have the world's first Accelerator invert coaster, but since an upgrade like that wouldn't exactly be cheap I really can't see that happening unless the park really skimps on getting new rides, updating existing attractions and generally being cheap. But, as I say, overall this sounds pretty darn cool! At well-themed ride at Kings Dominion!

Interesting...

Altering the ride layout seems like a stretch to me. I like that they're seemingly looking to increase capacity, and more theming is always a good thing.

Changing the launch is an interesting concept. LIMs really guzzle electricity from what I understand, so switching to hydraulics and cables would make sense in that regard.

Hmmm, my BS senses are tingling! Since when did Cedar Fair get in the business of elaborate theming?

One thing people tend to overlook about Volcano's mountain is that a lot of the inside space is also dedicated to the transfer/maintenance area. There is no easy way to put a support in that area, hence all of the "wasted" space on the inside of the mountain.

Any alteration to the layout would require changing the mountain and that would add onto the time frame for completing such modifications as well as the cost. Reconfiguring the exit to the queue line is relatively cheap, but blasting new holes for the train to enter/exit or extending the current structure most certainly would not be.

If any of the layout changes did happen, it won't happen this off season, thus, with the hype KD has put into redoing Safari Village, it is highly unlikely to happen at all. (do you really think they put all this hype into "a better Volcano experience" to come back to it in 2015 with changing the layout? Seems like something they would do all in one shot.)

Paul

PS
Drachen, if this gets as much traction as it did on Facebook, you may want to make a separate thread for it.

Some of the stuff sounds really cool, but some of it sounds like the entire ride would have to be altered. For instance, the transition from an LSM catapult coaster to an Accelerator coaster. It would be cool to have the world's first Accelerator invert coaster, but since an upgrade like that wouldn't exactly be cheap I really can't see that happening unless the park really skimps on getting new rides, updating existing attractions and generally being cheap. But, as I say, overall this sounds pretty darn cool! At well-themed ride at Kings Dominion!

Interesting...

Altering the ride layout seems like a stretch to me. I like that they're seemingly looking to increase capacity, and more theming is always a good thing.

Changing the launch is an interesting concept. LIMs really guzzle electricity from what I understand, so switching to hydraulics and cables would make sense in that regard.

I guess we'll wait and see.

Are there any accelerator coasters that don't have to wait for it be set up though. All of the ones I can think of take some time, which in essence would slow down the process. I like that most of the LIMs automatically launch the moment they're hit which gives most riders on Volcano the reason they love it. It's so unexpected, especially with that second launch.

^^^Interesting indeed. It's gonna be the second coaster of it's type by Gerstlauer; With the other being this coaster www.rcdb.com/9573.htm in Germany. Of course the Vekoma Jr Boomerangs are similar also.

Updated today with the "new" Splash Adventure park in Alabama, run by the Koch family outcasts. One of the new kiddie rides will be a Wacky Worm coaster. I would imagine the name will change sometime soon.

Also, DelGrosso's is adding a 'Music Express' - but not the traditional one. This thing looks more like the old Enterprise rides.

The third time is a charm. Luna Park Thunderbolt's layout has gotten revised again and it's even more thrilling! It starts out with the vertical drop, vertical loop, zero-G roll, stengel dive, a dive loop, a couple of airtime hills, then for the fourth and final inversion a corkscrew, followed by some more bunny hills.

T-bolt will have hella thrilling maneuvers within that narrow strip of land. I love the new layout!

Luna Park replaced their old Zamperla Midi Discovery flatride (named Eclipse) for a new ride that looks similar, but it rotates a full 360 degrees, just like a SBFrides Midi Dance Party. I didn't even see this model on Zamperla's website. It looks very fun.

Sorry if I am a bit slow, but I keep thinking that 'filled with sand' can't mean literally "filling the rails with sand". Is that really what they do? I guess that really would have the effect of dampening the vibration of the rails.

but I keep thinking that 'filled with sand' can't mean literally "filling the rails with sand". Is that really what they do?
David

Yes, it is true. The rails are hollow steel and the sand dampens the noise of the trains traveling along them.
Since the supports are also hollow, I believe those are filled with sand as well on those B&M coasters that employ that technique ...but don't quote me on that.

Since that famous B&M roar is quite loud otherwise, in some instances local regulations require a park include sound dampening and in some it is strictly what the park wants.

Either way, in deference to aging (mine), I am a fan of the quiet ones!

Don't quote me, but I think the rails are left open. It is the box beam and support columns that are filled. In later B&M's, they developed a dampening material that was put in the supports in the factory.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train...talk about a boring short snoozefest...I haven't ridden it, and I really don't have to for me to know when a park makes a very expensive subpar attraction. Even Disney's 'bread and butter magical' indoor effects have been eh lately.

I've been saying that Disney (particularly WDW) has been resting on it's laurels, knowing that every attraction they make will be praised by the brainwashed fanboys, but even they will have to wake up with this one.

Dollywood made a 2014 family coaster that actually looks innovative and fun to ride. Maybe there isn't a secret as to why Universal is outpacing Disney in attendance; USO has exciting Harry Potter expansions, while WDW has this...Check out SDMTs POV...

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train...talk about a boring short snoozefest...I haven't ridden it, and I really don't have to for me to know when a park makes a very expensive subpar attraction. Even Disney's 'bread and butter magical' indoor effects have been eh lately.

I've been saying that Disney (particularly WDW) has been resting on it's laurels, knowing that every attraction they make will be praised by the brainwashed fanboys, but even they will have to wake up with this one.

Dollywood made a 2014 family coaster that actually looks innovative and fun to ride. Maybe there isn't a secret as to why Universal is outpacing Disney in attendance; USO has exciting Harry Potter expansions, while WDW has this...Check out SDMTs POV...

I thought the same thing when I watched the POV. I really don't care if I ever ride SDMT. I've always felt that Disney is a group of overpriced, glorified kids parks, with elaborate theming and decent service. It really wouldn't bother me if I never visited a Disney park again. SDMT is just an example of why I feel this way.